New laws to govern sea mammal observations

By Ashwin Hemmathagama

Our Lobby Correspondent

Laws observing, regulating, and controlling the peaceful and natural existence of all sea mammals whose natural habitat is within the territorial waters of Sri Lanka and to assist, regulate, and control the vessel movements by visitors for the purpose of observing such animals were introduced yesterday in Parliament.

Deputy Minister of Agrarian Services and Wildlife S.M. Chandrasena moving the Extraordinary Gazette notification 1774/27 stated that the new regulations would mainly help to protect whales, dolphins, and dugong, as well as the safety and welfare of the tourists.

“In our territorial waters we have 19 different species of whales, nine different species of dolphins, and two different species of dugong. Whale and dolphin watching has become popular activity among local as well as foreign tourists with the war coming to an end. Even though it brings an additional income for tourism, we have observed some tour operators behaving in a manner that threatens the existence of these protected animals and the lives of the visitors,” said Deputy Minister Chandrasena.

However, UNP MP Sajith Premadasa, criticising the Ministry for its failure to fill its cadre, to treat employees equally, as well as to disburse resources held up at Colombo head office, said: “Although regulations are brought in to protect the sea mammals, you have failed to appoint a Director General for Department of Wildlife. When you can’t appoint a Director General, how can you establish these regulations? There are serious issues at the Department of Wildlife. The rest of the cadre is frustrated with resources being kept in Colombo and priority being given to employees at the head office when it comes to foreign training and scholarships.”

With the new regulations, every vessel being plied for the purpose of taking visitors to places which are the natural habitat of sea mammals have to obtain a license valid for 12 months, specifically for such purpose from the Director – General, Wildlife Conservation.

Each vessel should obtain a Certificate of Fitness, a full insurance cover for the vessel covering its crewmembers and the number of passengers such vessel is entitled to carry, and proof that it is equipped with life jackets and other essential lifesaving equipment for both crew and passengers.