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.
Members of the South Asian Journalists Forum have gathered at the University of New Delhi for a two day conference themed ‘Peace and Co-operation’.
Journalists from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India are attending the conference hosted by the University of Delhi in collaboration with the India Chapter of SJF, and will deliberate on how the media can act as a catalyst for regional stability and mutual coexsistence.
A tree plantation campaign was also held at the Ghandi Bhawan premises of the University to mark the event and symbolize growing regional ties.
The Sri Lanka delegation is led by President of SJF’s Sri Lanka Chapter Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi.
The Governor of the of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, along with the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghvi, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursdy [February 05] at the Parliamentary Complex to discuss the arrangements related to the exposition of the Devnimori Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, which have been brought to Sri Lanka under the patronage of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India.
These sacred relics of Lord Buddha were discovered during archaeological excavations conducted in the 1960s at the historic Devnimori site in Gujarat, the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Until now, these relics had never been taken outside India. As a result of discussions held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, the people of Sri Lanka have been granted this rare opportunity to venerate these sacred relics.
The exposition of the relics is being held for a period of seven days, from February 05 to February 11, at the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo. Discussions were held between both parties regarding the arrangements related to this event.
The discussion was attended by Samar Nanda, Joint Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Culture; Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Acting High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka; Abhijit Halder, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation; along with several others.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) GHARIAL made a port call in Colombo for operational turnarounds on 04 Feb 26. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.
Commanded by Commander Gaurav Tewari, INS GHARIAL is a vessel with a length of 124.8 meters.
During this visit, ten (10) Bailey Bridges, brought by ship, through the coordination of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, will be handed over to the Disaster Management Center. These bridges will provide temporary transportation links while bridges damaged across the island by adverse weather conditions are repaired.
The crew’s itinerary features scheduled goodwill activities with the Sri Lanka Navy, alongside visits to several tourist attractions across the island.
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