Hambantota oil spill to be removed expeditiously

Hambantota Port Chief Executive Officer Ravi Jayawickrema stated that steps have been taken to expeditiously remove the oil spill which occurred while supplying fuel to a commercial ship.

The Marine Environment Protection Authority was informed that the incident had occurred around 06:00 p.m. when supplying oil to the vessel via a barge.

Standard procedures were implemented to prevent oil spills, while steps were taken to also implement the Emergency Response Plan to reduce the spread of oil and as well as to reduce marine pollution.

Jayawickrema further stated that the operation to completely remove the oil spill will be completed within the next few days.