News
Don’t take seafood off the menu – Round Island urges concerned consumers
While Sri Lanka grapples with the after effects of the MV X-Press Pearl marine disaster off the South and West coasts of the island, the Ministry of Fisheries has assured citizens that in suspending fishing activities from the affected coasts, all seafood that makes its way to the markets has officially been declared safe for consumption.
In light of recent events, and in order to reel in greater confidence towards the fisheries industry as a whole, Round Island – the consumer face of Oceanpick (Pvt) Ltd.- has put in place additional safety and precautionary measures to ensure that its seafood retains the quality and freshness it has come to be associated with, both locally, and overseas.
In addition to being approximately 380 nautical miles away, and on the far side of the island from the MV X-Press Pearl incident, Round Island’s sustainable offshore oceanic farms north of Koddiyar Bay are also protected from the open ocean currents. In spite of this current geographical advantage, Round Island has employed 24-hour on-duty staff at its farms to continue to monitor both the water and the condition of its fish for even the slightest anomalies; having to date observed none.
Residual testing of fish stocks are being conducted each week, and additional testing of waters around its farms to monitor quality parameters have been put in place as a long-term safeguard. As a further preventive measure, the company plans to set up water monitoring stations in key locations along the eastern seaboard, north and south of Trincomalee, so as to provide early warning of any undue changes to the environment.
Round Island is also working closely with marine agencies such as the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) for knowledge-sharing initiatives as well as to gain insight on any changes to the marine environment on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the company will be collaborating and partnering with institutions such as the Ocean University of Sri Lanka to expand its coral reef monitoring network to cover the east coast, as a means to accumulate vital data on marine life, benthic zones, and water chemistry.
“Ever since word of the disaster spread, we have had to respond to many queries and concerns about the quality and safety of the fish we produce,” said Daniel Richardson, Head of Operations at Oceanpick. “Even though our farming sites have been unaffected by the MV X-Press Pearl fire, we are proactively taking every precaution to ensure that our seafood, as well as those of fishing communities across the island, will be more than just fit for consumption in the years to come.”
Pioneering Sri Lanka’s entry into marine aquaculture as the first BAP-certified barramundi aquaculture facility in South Asia, Oceanpick was founded in 2011 with the intent to best utilize the island’s pristine seas to responsibly farm superior quality barramundi (modha) for local and international markets; while also alleviating the pressure on native wild stocks.
Round Island remains confident of the aquatic conditions on the east coast of Sri Lanka, and are committed to providing transparency and accountability to all of its partners, stakeholders, and consumers when it comes to delivering on fresh and wholesome seafood.
All Round Island products continue to be available at select supermarket chains, through its delivery partners UberEats and PickMe, and for direct order through its website (www.roundisland.lk)
It has been reported quoting police sources that the death toll from the renewed unrest at the Negombo Prison which this morning, has risen from nineteen to twenty five (25).
A clash initially broke out between two groups of inmates (a group of remand prisoners and a group of convicted inmates serving sentences) at the Negombo Prison at around 1.00 p.m. on Sunday (05).
Two inmates died in yesterday’s clash, while around 40 others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at hospital.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the children of Sri Lanka are well capable of viewing the world with creativity and critical ways of thinking, and that the Government is committed to equipping them with the required knowledge and modern technologies necessary to realize their full potential.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening of the ’Arumasiya’ Exhibition and the occasion of laying the foundation stone for a new three-storey building at Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College, on the 4th of July.
During the visit, the Prime Minister officially declared open the exhibition showcasing the students’ innovations and creative talents and commended them for their remarkable achievements. The Prime Minister also participated in the ceremony of laying the foundation stone for the construction of the College’s new three-storey building.
Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
“It is a pleasure to participate in this special event at Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College, the school where Sri Lanka’s first female Prime Minister received her education
I had the opportunity to visit the exhibition featuring the outstanding creations and innovations of the students. What I witnessed was a group of talented young people who have moved beyond textbook learning and are capable of viewing the world with creativity and critical thinking.
We are introducing a new education reform process that moves away from a rote-learning, examination-oriented system towards a practical and skills-based one. The Government is now systematically completing all the necessary preparations to implement the new education reforms scheduled to commence in 2027.
Our objective is to ensure that every child leaving school has access to vocational and technical education that matches their individual talents and meets the demands of the modern labour market. We are committed to transforming vocational education into a field that enjoys the same dignity and recognition as university education.
Finally, I commend the Principal and the academic staff of Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College for organizing this exhibition, and to the students and parents whose dedication made this event a success.”
The event was attended by Members of Parliament for Ratnapura District Wasantha Pushpa Kumara and Sunil Rajapaksha, the Mayor of Balangoda and members of the Municipal Council, the Zonal Director of Education, the Principal and academic staff of Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College, parents, and students.
Prime Minister’s Media Division
The appointment of a Special Parliamentary Ombudsman (SPO) to inquire into the complaints against the Attorney General, as promised in the NPP manifesto, is on hold, pending the establishment of an Independent Office of the Public Prosecutor and provincial Sub Officers.
Authoritative sources told The Island that the Justice and National Integration Ministry was awaiting the recommendations, regarding the new legislation for the establishment of such an Office, from a Committee of Technical Experts, chaired by Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, PC.
Responding to a query raised in Parliament by SJB lawmaker Ajith P. Perera about the delay in appointment of SPO, Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the government couldn’t take a decision until the Kodagoda Committee made recommendations.
Nanayakkara said that the positioning of the SPO couldn’t be decided before they differentiate the powers of the Attorney General and the an Independent Office of the Public Prosecutor and provincial Sub Officers.
According to the NPP manifesto, provincial Sub Officers were to be established under a senior Additional Solicitor General.
Opposition sources pointed out that the relevant Cabinet decision was taken on 7 May 2025. According to the Cabinet Office, the government decided to establish an Independent Office of the Public Prosecutor and provincial Sub Officers in line with a proposal made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in her final report on Sri Lanka, submitted in September, 2024.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Death toll in violent clashes at Negombo Prison rise to 25
The Government is committed to equipping children with new technology and knowledge – PM
Bellingham inspires 10-man England to beat Mexico 3-2 in last-16 thriller
Haaland scores twice as Norway stun Brazil 2-1 in World Cup 2026 last 16
A few showers will occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts
Appointment of SPO to probe AG on hold until establishment of Ind. Public Prosecutor’s Office
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Features7 days agoClimate action to bring South Asia together
-
News7 days agoChamuditha to seek removal of injunction on Youtube programme
-
News2 days agoSingapore-based Buddhist monk marks nearly four decades of humanitarian service
-
News3 days agoFreedom 250: US Embassy celebrates America’s 250th Independence Day through magic of American cinema
-
News4 days agoCIABOC to question Harak Kata on Rs. 200 mn bribery allegation
-
News4 days agoSLAF conducts successful rescue mission under UN command in Central African Republic
-
Opinion7 days agoMatara Maha Keralla– Uprising against the Dutch
-
Midweek Review6 days agoH’tota port’s strategic status remains focal point of geopolitical scrutiny