SRI LANKA COAST GUARD SHOWCASES EXPERTISE AT REGIONAL MARINE POLLUTION SYMPOSIUM 2024

The Marine Pollution Response Symposium (MPRS) 2024, organized by the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) in partnership with the United Kingdom’s Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP), the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), successfully concluded in Colombo.

The symposium brought together representatives from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Pakistan to discuss the SACEP Regional Oil and Chemical Pollution Contingency Plan, fostering regional cooperation in marine environmental protection.

A highlight of the event was a practical demonstration by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) on 22 November 2024, at the Dikovita Fishery Harbour. At MEPA's request, the SLCG showcased its advanced oil spill response capabilities, including equipment and a demonstration deployment of containment booms, skimmers and dispersant systems creating an oil spill scenario. The simulation underscored the SLCG’s expertise in managing marine pollution incidents and its commitment to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s marine environment.

Commander (N) RGT Gunasekara, Regional Director of the SLCG Western Region also participated in the event.