The national event to mark ‘World Oceans Day’ will be held at the Colombo Port City today with a series of activities open to the public, Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) General Manager Jagath Gunasekara said.
He told a press conference at the Government Information Department on Friday, that the national event would align with the global theme, “Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us”, and would be presided over by Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi.
He said an exhibition featuring 35 stalls, showcasing emerging ocean-related industries, new technologies for marine environment protection, and the work and progress of relevant State institutions, would be held at the premises, alongside a separate exhibition on marine life.
He said an art competition for schoolchildren, a competition on various products and designs using marine debris, and a sea sand sculpture competition would also be held at the event. He added that a beach volleyball game and a panel discussion on saving oceans from plastic waste would also be organised at the premises.
A beach clean-up and a special program to clean the seabed in the area will take place today, along with public awareness campaigns throughout the day. He invited the public to take part in the event.
The General Manager said that a new coral reef is forming near the rock fences of the Colombo Port City, making the area a developing sensitive marine ecosystem.
The appointment of beach caretakers for the Western Province will take place on the same day. They will receive a monthly allowance with the support of local entrepreneurs, and the MEPA will enter into agreements with hoteliers and private companies in that regard. In some cases, hotel beach caretakers will be appointed, with responsibility for cleaning and maintaining the designated areas taken up by the respective hotels.
Additional Secretary to the President (Clean Sri Lanka Program), S. P. C. Sugeeshwara said a program to clean the sea bed had begun on June 2 in Trincomalee with the support of the MEPA, the Army and private divers. He said the debris collected from the ocean was safely disposed of, adding that the program would be gradually extended to other areas as well.
