AG directs MEPA to submit samples obtained near MT New Diamond to Govt. Analyst

Colombo (News 1st);  Attorney General Dappula De Livera directed the Chairman and the Director-General of the Marine Environment Protection Authority to submit the samples obtained from the sea area near the distressed MT New Diamond to the Government Analyst's Department for testing.

Further, MEPA was instructed by the Attorney General to issue necessary directions on the salvors of MT New Diamond to take urgent measures to stop the leak from the Crude Oil Tanker and stop oil leaking into Sri Lankan waters.

At a meeting between the Attorney General and the Marine Environment Protection Authority on Wednesday (09) it was decided to move the distressed MT New Diamond another 200 nautical miles away from its current position as an immediate security measure considering the threat it could pose to the marine environment and human life.

The Attorney General had also instructed the Marine Environment Protection Authority to establish a Control and Operations Center to carry necessary action with regard to the matter.

The Marine Environment Protection Authority had sought advice from the Attorney General to take legal action with regard to the MT New Diamond Crude Oil Tanker, aboard which a fire was reported on the 03rd of September, as per the provisions of the Marine Pollution Prevention Act.

MEPA had sought advice from the Attorney General as it relates to taking legal action against those responsible because there will be a negative impact on the Sri Lankan marine environment if Crude Oil and other harmful liquids leak from the distressed Oil Tanker.

Further, MEPA had also sought legal advice to take necessary measures as per the provisions of the Marine Pollution Prevention Act.

On Wednesday, MEPA produced samples obtained from the sea area where the MT New Diamond is located at and video footage of the site to the Attorney General.