News
Seabed Clean-Up Operation commences in Pigeon Island National Park, Trincomalee
A seabed clean-up operation was officially launched on Monday (02) morning in the Pigeon Island area off the coast of Trincomalee. The initiative aims to enhance marine safety and promote a healthier ocean environment by removing debris and pollutants from the seabed.
The programme focused on removing the invasive Crown-of-Thorns starfish, which poses a significant threat to coral ecosystems, as well as harmful marine debris such as abandoned fishing nets that endanger marine life and disrupt biodiversity. This special initiative, held in line with World Environment Day, was coordinated by the Secretariat of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, with the active participation of multiple governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Pigeon Island Marine National Park, located approximately one kilometre off the coast of Nilaveli in the Eastern Province, comprises two islets known as “Large” and “Small” Pigeon Island. While the park spans roughly 471 hectares, only around 9 hectares consist of land. The coral reef surrounding the larger island rises between 100 and 200 meters in height and extends to a depth of around 44.8 meters from sea level. Given its rich biodiversity and ecological sensitivity, this marine park is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most significant and vulnerable ecosystems—making its conservation a timely and vital task.
Key environmental threats in this area include illegal fishing practices, destructive coral harvesting methods, damage from unregulated tourism, rising sea temperatures and broader impacts of climate change. These factors have significantly harmed the surrounding coral reefs and ecosystems of Pigeon Island.
As a first step in protecting this marine reserve, the clean-up operation was jointly organized by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat with active contributions from the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), Trincomalee District Secretariat, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Sri Lanka Navy, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Sri Lanka Divers Association, Sri Lanka Police, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Coast Conservation Department, Nilaveli Boat Owners’ Association and Sarvodaya.
The clean-up was carried out by trained divers, marine biologists and volunteers from participating organizations, following proper environmental and safety standards. The initiative demonstrated Sri Lanka’s growing commitment to marine conservation and highlighted the responsibility of every citizen in protecting ocean ecosystems.
The Clean Sri Lanka initiative was officially launched on January 1, 2025, by President Anura Kumara Disanayake and has since evolved into a broad-based national movement. The core aim of the programme is to transform Sri Lanka into a cleaner, greener and more ethical nation by addressing the country’s pressing environmental, social and governance challenges.
Its long-term vision for environmental sustainability includes promoting responsible waste management, conserving biodiversity and water resources, improving air quality and increasing the use of renewable energy, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Sri Lankans and ensuring ecological balance.
The event was attended by Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera, Governor of the Eastern Province, Roshan Akmeemana, Member of Parliament, W. G. M. Hemantha Kumara District Secretary of Trincomalee, senior officers of the Navy, local residents and a group of foreign tourists also participated in this event.
[PMD]
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa was yesterday remanded until September 18 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court following his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an investigation into the controversial SriLankan Airlines Airbus aircraft transaction.
Rajapaksa appeared before the CIABOC at around 9.15 am yesterday to record a statement after being summoned over the transaction. He was taken into custody following several hours of questioning and subsequently produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate.
The investigation centres on allegations surrounding the acquisition of six Airbus A330 and eight A350 aircraft by SriLankan Airlines in 2013, in connection with an alleged USD 2 million bribe.
Former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena and his wife, Priyanka Niyomali Wijenayake, had previously been named in connection with the alleged bribery.
Chandrasena was arrested on March 12 as part of an investigation launched by the CIABOC under the Anti-Corruption Act and was subsequently released on bail. He was later found dead on May 8 while on bail, with police suspecting that his death was a suicide.
Open warrants have been issued for the arrest of Wijenayake, who is named as the second suspect, and Shamindra Rajapaksa, named as the third suspect, in the case pending before the Fort Magistrate’s Court in connection with the Airbus transaction.
The investigation has also received assistance from Airbus, with a delegation from the company’s parent group in France visiting Sri Lanka during the first week of August. The delegation provided statements and other assistance to the CIABOC as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Rajapaksa’s arrest and remand yesterday mark a further development in the widening investigation into the controversial aircraft deal.
The number of dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka this year has risen to 96,040, with 72 deaths recorded so far, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.
The Unit said 10,155 cases were reported in August alone, highlighting the continuing spread of the disease across several parts of the country.
The Western Province has recorded the highest number of cases at 50,760, followed by the Southern Province with 13,931, the Central Province with 8,788 and the Sabaragamuwa Province with 7,910.
At district level, Gampaha has reported the highest number of cases at 20,444, followed by Colombo with 19,008.
Kandy has recorded 7,043 cases, while Kalutara and Matara have reported 6,181 and 6,154 cases,a respectively.
The National Dengue Control Unit said 50 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas across the country have been identified as high-risk areas for dengue.
Health authorities have continued to urge the public to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding, particularly in areas where a high incidence of dengue has been reported.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan at the historic Tashichhodzong, in Thimphu, last Wednesday (02), with discussions focusing on Bhutan’s development priorities and ways to strengthen bilateral relations with Sri Lanka.
The meeting took place during Dr. Amarasuriya’s official visit to Bhutan.
The Bhutanese King expressed interest in drawing on Sri Lanka’s experience and expertise in areas relevant to the country’s long-term development plans, according to a statement issued, following the meeting.
The two sides also discussed opportunities to expand investment cooperation, including a proposal to establish an investment zone in Bhutan.
The discussions further covered demographic challenges facing Bhutan, particularly the increasing migration of young people and its potential impact on the country’s future workforce and population.
Both sides underscored the importance of sustainable development and creating greater opportunities for young people to contribute to national economic growth and development.
The meeting formed part of efforts to broaden cooperation between Sri Lanka and Bhutan beyond traditional areas of bilateral engagement, with investment, development expertise and demographic concerns emerging as areas of common interest.
Namal remanded until Sept. 18 over Airbus deal investigation
Dengue cases surpass 96,000 this year
PM Harini, Bhutan King explore closer ties
Johnston granted bail following CIABOC arrest
SC concludes hearing of petitions against Anti-Corruption Bill
US Maritime Commission chiefs to visit Lanka to boost shipping ties
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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