News
Census of fishing vessels amidst mounting environmental risks posed by discarded fibreglass boats nationwide
The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka programme, has launched a nationwide census of fishing vessels, with a focus on identifying fibreglass boats, many of which have been abandoned.
The Fisheries Ministry sources said that the census, which began this week and will continue until 20 August, was carried out at fisheries harbours across the country. Authorities say the initiative marks a crucial step toward regulating vessel disposal practices and mitigating the mounting environmental risks posed by fibreglass debris.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries, fibreglass boats remain the backbone of Sri Lanka’s fishing and maritime sectors. However, improper disposal of these vessels has led to significant environmental, social, and economic repercussions.
“These boats, once left to decay, contribute to coastal degradation, release toxic chemicals, and eventually disintegrate into microplastics that pollute marine ecosystems,” a Ministry official said. “Many are simply abandoned along beaches or waterways, becoming eyesores and breeding grounds for disease.”
Fibreglass, though durable, is notoriously difficult and costly to recycle. In the absence of a formal disposal mechanism, authorities say some vessels are destroyed through open burning which is an environmentally hazardous practice that releases harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
The Fisheries Ministry has called for the establishment of a national registry and structured disposal system to manage fibreglass boats in a sustainable manner. Officials say the current census will inform future policy and pave the way for several key interventions, including: the removal of derelict boats from coastal areas, the introduction of sustainable recycling methods, reduction in microplastic pollution, improvements in coastal sanitation and more efficient use of harbour space for active fishing operations.
The census is being framed as a proactive step in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s marine environment while supporting the long-term viability of the fishing industry.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development to award the contract for printing and supplying vehicle number plates for the Department of Motor Traffic for a period of five (5) years to M/s South Asian Technologies based on the recommendations of the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee and the Procurement Appeal Board.
The National Lotteries board has been established subject to the Finance Act No. 11 of 1963. Having identified the requirement of amending that act which was imposed around 62 years to cater the current requirements of the lottery market, the Cabinet of Mnisters at their meeting held on 14.02.2017 granted approval to draft a new bill for the purpose.
Accordingly, the National Lotteries Board has recognized further amendments to be performed to the fundamental draft bill prepared by the Legal Draftsmen.
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the
resolution furnished by the President in his office as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to direct the Legal Draftsmen to finalize the formulation of the draft bill for the National Lotteries Board as soon as possible including the proposed new amendments as well.
The Werahara office of the Department of Motor Traffic performs issuance of temporary driving licenses in this country based on the driving licenses issued overseas, and measures have been initiated to render the service from a service window of the Department of Motor Traffic established at the Bandaranayake International Airport from 03.08.2025.
The fees charged for issuing temporary driving licenses have been published in Motor Vehicles (Driving License Levy) Regulations No. 3 of 2022 prepared under the provisions of the Motor Traffic (Authority 203) Act.
But, as the fee of Rupees 2,000/- charged for the service is not sufficient, the requirement of amending the regulations has been recognized.
The regulations for introducing the revised fees have been published in the government extraordinary gazette
notification No. 2463/04 dated 17.11.2025. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to
submit the regulations to the Parliament for its concurrence.
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Mrs. P. K. L. S. Panduwawala appointed to the post of Surveyor General
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