Marine Environment Council holds first meeting under President’s patronage

Monday, 12 March 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Steps have been taken to set up a Marine Environment Council comprising academics and activists in all sectors of the society to advice on the new dimensions of protection of the marine environment. The Council met for the first time at the Presidential Secretariat last week under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena.

The Marine Environment Protection Authority was established by the Government under the Marine Pollution Prevention Act No. 35 of 2008, with the sole responsibility to prevent, control, and manage the pollution of Sri Lanka’s Marine Environment.

The task of the Marine Environment Council is to advise the Authority on matters relating to the execution of its powers, functions and responsibilities as well as to advise on the matters referred to it by the Authority.

The Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority Rear Admiral (Rtd) Rohana Perera explained the current activities of the Marine Environment Protection Authority and the future progress towards 2030.

The Clean Seas Campaign on marine pollution by the United Nations Environment Programme is scheduled to hold in next October in countries that are around the Bay of Bengal and the Sri Lanka has been selected as the principal country for this project.

Secretary of the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment Anura Dissanayake said that they are expecting the contribution of Marine Environment Council to fulfil the broad responsibilities in this regard.

Speaking at the meeting, President Sirisena said that it is important to carry out the work of the Council in accordance with an annual plan.

Members of the Marine Environment Council, including its Chairman L.P. Jayampathy and others participated in this meeting.