SRI LANKA COAST GUARD CONCLUDES COMPREHENSIVE OIL SPILL RESPONSE EXERCISE AT ASHROFF JETTY, TRINCOMALEE

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard Eastern Region successfully conducted a high-level Oil Spill response and management exercise at Ashroff Jetty in Trincomalee on 30^th October 2024. As the designated first responder under the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCOP), the SLCG plays a critical role in addressing maritime environmental emergencies, necessitating continuous training and operational readiness.

Over 100 participants engaged in this extensive exercise, led by the Regional Director of the Eastern Region, including officers and sailors from the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Sri Lanka Navy. Key stakeholders also attended, representing the Port Authority, Marine Environmental Protection Authority, Coastal Conservation Department, Lanka IOC Company, Ceylon Prima Company, Tokyo Cement Pvt Ltd and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Their presence underscored the collaborative approach essential for effective oil spill management.

The exercise demonstrated the deployment of containment booms to limit oil spread and skimmer operations by personnel from Lanka IOC company showing active participation for oil recovery.

These exercises are instrumental in honing the stake holder’s technical capabilities of the Coast Guard and Navy personnel, ensuring that Sri Lanka's maritime forces are equipped with the skills and coordination required to protect marine ecosystems and coastal resources effectively.