UN experts in Sri Lanka to assess damage by X-Press Pearl disaster

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) said three experts from the United Nations have arrived in Sri Lanka to assess the damage caused to Sri Lanka's Marine Environment following the X-PRESS PEARL container ship disaster.

According to MEPA, the team of UN experts on Marine Ecology will conduct further studies jointly with the local experts.

The Marine Environment Protection Authority further emphasized that these scientists posess quantitative knowledge regarding the destruction to the marine ecosystem caused by shipwrecks.

The UN experts representing France and Switzerland have reached the island as per a request of the Sri Lankan government.

According to MEPA, the UN team of experts is funded by the European Union.

Moreover, the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has also commenced studies regarding the damages to the marine eco-system and marine life as a result of the MV X-PRESS PEARL disaster.

Thereby, tests will also be conducted to determine the quality of water.