Authorities have traced the oil contamination reported along sections of the Hikkaduwa and Peraliya coastlines in the Galle District to drifting barrels of industrial lubricant, while rapid response teams have already removed almost all visible oil deposits from the affected beaches.

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), together with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, launched an immediate response after oil patches were detected along about a 20-metre stretch of coastline in the Hikkaduwa and Peraliya areas.

Addressing a media briefing at the Ministry of Environment, MEPA Chairman Samantha Gunasekara said emergency shoreline clean-up operations began on March 7 under the instructions of Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi.

“Nearly 99 percent of the oil patches have already been cleared from the affected coastal stretch,” Gunasekara said, adding that the swift intervention by authorities had prevented the incident from escalating into a wider marine pollution crisis.

Investigations carried out by MEPA have confirmed that the contamination originated from barrels containing Shell Corena S2 P 100 lubricant oil that had apparently been lost at sea and later drifted ashore.

The lubricant manufactured by Shell plc is commonly used to lubricate the internal components of reciprocating piston air compressors. Officials said the substance is not classified as a hazardous or toxic oil, easing initial fears of severe environmental damage.

MEPA General Manager Jagath Gunasekara said monitoring of the coastline was continuing to ensure that no additional oil patches washed ashore.

Meanwhile, the Department of Wildlife Conservation said there had been no confirmed reports of harm to marine animals, including sea turtles and coastal wildlife, following inspections in the affected areas.

Wildlife officials said they were continuing to keep the situation under close observation to ensure that marine fauna along the southern coast remained safe.

Authorities stressed that protecting the ecological integrity of the southern coastal belt—particularly around the Hikkaduwa marine area—remains a priority, while further investigations are under way to determine how the lubricant barrels ended up drifting in Sri Lankan waters.

By Ifham Nizam

The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists has launched an innovative telemedicine psychology program designed to provide essential support and mental health care to individuals adversely affected by the Ditwa Cyclone. This initiative is a vital response to the psychological challenges faced by the community in the aftermath of the disaster.

However, the implementation of this program has faced significant obstacles, primarily due to a considerable lack of access to smart devices among the target beneficiaries. Recognizing the urgency of this situation, S-lon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has made a commendable contribution by donating tablet devices through its corporate social responsibility initiative, the “Suwasahana Charika” Program. This generous donation aims to bridge the technological gap, ensuring that individuals in need can access the psychological services offered by the telemedicine program.

The collaborative efforts were strengthened during a recent event that was attended by key figures, including Mr. S.C. Weerasekara, the Group Director / Chief Operating Officer of The Capital Maharaja Group, and Dr. Dashanthi Akmemana, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists.

The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists expressed its gratitude to S-lon Lanka for its support and is committed to addressing the community’s mental health needs during this challenging time.

Rolf Blaser, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd., has been conferred the distinguished honour of CEO of the Year 2025 by the Global CEO Forum, placing him among an exceptionally exclusive cohort of business leaders recognized for outstanding strategic vision and sustained contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic landscape.

The recognition, bestowed following rigorous independent evaluation and endorsed by leading professional bodies, was formally celebrated at a ceremony on 26 February 2026 in Colombo. Since assuming leadership in October 2018, Blaser has orchestrated a period of sustained growth across the company’s diversified portfolio.

Under his stewardship, the healthcare division has doubled operations in four years, establishing partnerships with global pharmaceutical leaders and now serving as a conduit between global medical innovation and Sri Lankan healthcare needs, from medicines and diagnostics to surgical equipment and medical nutrition. In agriculture, the company has moved decisively toward sustainable solutions. When Sri Lanka’s 2021 fertilizer ban threatened the sector, Baurs engaged agricultural institutes globally to architect practical transition pathways, establishing a comprehensive Centre of Excellence with Switzerland’s FiBL and HAFL. The company’s subsequent introduction of Super Urea, a nitrogen dual stabilizer that improves crop yields while reducing environmental impact, demonstrates the innovation-driven approach that has defined Blaser’s tenure.