News
Move to get Singapore to probe destruction of marine life due to ship fire raises eyebrows
Scientists and researchers warn of conflict of interests
By Ifham Nizam
Marine scientists and researchers yesterday expressed concern about Wildlife Minister C B Rathnayake’s move to send samples of dead marine animal species to Singapore for further experiments and investigation. They claim that this is an ill-advised move as the operator of MV X-Press Pearl is a Singaporean company.
“The team from United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is already working with our environment Sub Committee. So, we don’t understand why we are consulting Singapore. Also, we must not forget that a Singapore flagged ship has caused the disaster,” a marine scientist said.
He added that the Minister had not consulted any stakeholder before making the questionable decision. More than 175 turtles, over 20 dolphins and four whales have been washed ashore after the MV X-Press Pearl incident and the actual number of dead could be five times that, the marine scientist said.
Investigation so far indicate that turtles have perished due to burning and chemical poisoning. This is the largest marine disaster Sri Lanka had faced, the scientist said.
“Currently, we send samples of the dead animals to the Government Analyst, the University of Peradeniya Veterinary Faculty, the National Aquatic and Resources Agency (NARA) and the Zoological Gardens in Dehiwela.
The team from the UNEP is also assisting us. So, we have the capacity to do this testing on our own. What if the Singaporean company comes to a different conclusion? How will that affect our litigation? Has the Minister thought of this?”
INS Sindhukesari, a submarine serving in the Indian Navy, arrived at the port of Colombo on 03 May 26 to undertake Operational Turnarounds.
The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in precision with naval traditions.
Throughout its stay in the island, the submarine’s crew is scheduled to participate in a variety of programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, including visits to several tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, officially visited the Russian House in Colombo to attend the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum, where members of the Sri Lanka Russia Business Council and graduates from the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates from Socialist countries (ASLGSC) attended.
This historic gathering was graced by rectors and representatives from several world-class Russian medical institutions, including Kursk State Medical University, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and Tver State Medical University, among others.
The forum commenced with an address by Minister Murashko, during which Russian medical graduates in attendance raised pertinent questions regarding medical and pharmaceutical sector opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Levan Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, together with Madam Maria L. Popova, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka & the Maldives and Director of the Russian House in Colombo, graced the occasion. Both officials expressed strong support for continued collaboration and future initiatives between the two nations.
The official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over on Monday (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
The following members received their letters of appointment at the Ministry premises:
Sidath Wettimuny
Thushira Radella
Prakash Schaffter
Ms. Avanthi Colombage
The Ministry also noted that veteran cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara, who are key members of the committee, are currently overseas. Their official appointments will be formalised immediately upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.
The Cricket Transformation Committee has been mandated to oversee the administration and drive structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister under the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.
INS Sindhukesari arrives in Colombo
Minister of Health of the Russian Federation attends the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum
Members of Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee Officially Appointed
Three prison guards arrested following the death of an inmate
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.
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