News
No oil in X-Press Pearl- MEPA
The oil in the fuel tanks of MV X-Press Pearl had been burned out during the fire onboard, Dharshani Lahandapura, Chairperson of Marine Environment Protection Agency (MEPA), said yesterday.
She added that the reports submitted by the Captain, who led the salvage team, and international experts, both had confirmed that there was no oil in the tanks.
“There were 300 metric tons of fuel in the ship. We test the water near the wreck daily but so far we have not seen signs of an oil leak.
The Captain who lead the salvage team and international experts who arrived on site assume that the oil must have burned off given the intensity of the fire and the fact that it raged for days,” Lahandapura said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Environment said that he was awaiting instructions from AG to remove the debris. “The CEA has ability to dispose of debris safely,” Dr. Jasinge said. (IN)
BBC reported that at least 17 people have been killed in an explosion at a mosque in the Pakistani city of Peshawar.
The blast happened when the mosque was packed with worshippers and more than 90 people were injured.
A section of the building was destroyed, and officials say people are buried under the rubble. Several others are being taken to local hospitals.
The cause of the explosion is unclear.
BBC reported that residents in flood-hit northern New Zealand are bracing for more heavy rains as officials issued severe weather alerts.
At least four people have died and a state of emergency was declared in Auckland, which on Friday experienced its worst downpour on record.
by Priyan de Silva
Chairman of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, Nimal Punchihewa, asked to comment on a special news release, purportedly issued by the Director General of the Department of Government Information, on Sunday (29), told The Island that preparations for the 09 March local government elections were going ahead, as planned, and that the media statement at issue was misleading.
The media statement says: “The gazette notice with signatures of the Chairman and other members of the Election Commission required for the commencement of the Local Government election process has not been sent to the Government Press for printing.”
Punchihewa requested the public not to be misled by any misinformation being spread in an attempt to create doubts in their minds.He also reiterated that the EC would not be deterred by any acts of intimidation.
Three of the EC members have been threatened with death by an unidentified caller to resign from their posts. They are S. B. Divaratne, M. M. Mohamed and K. P. P. Pathirana. The Opposition has accused the government of trying to sabotage the LG polls.
At least 17 killed after explosion in Peshawar mosque
More heavy rain ahead for New Zealand’s largest city
Very heavy showers (150mm) likely in Northern, Eastern, Uva, North Central and Central Provinces
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