Navy collects 584 tons of plastic pellets washed ashore from burnt vessel

Coastal clean-up operations have helped remove 584 tons of plastic pellets washed ashore from the burnt container ship, from Uswetakeiyawa to Sarakkukanda.

The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing said the cleaning campaign was being carried out on the instructions of PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister of Urban Development and Housing.

The Marine Environment Protection Authority, the Coast Conservation Department, the Navy and the Air Force are jointly carrying out beach cleaning activities.

Premier Rajapaksa recently inspected the coast in Uswetakeiyawa strewn with the debris from the ship.

The clearing of the nine-kilometre-long coastline from Uswetakeiyawa to Pamunugama Sarakkukanda Kapumgoda is being carried out by the Western Command of the Navy.

The Navy commenced coastal clean-up n 26 May 26 and by Wednesday (June 02), it had removed 584 tons of plastic pellets.

About 470 Navy Western Command personnel are engaged in the tedious task of cleaning this part of the coast daily from 7.00 am to 4.00 pm. In addition, a team of Navy lifeguards has also been deployed in the area.

The Marine Environment Protection Authority and the Coast Conservation Department also assist in the clean-up operation.