Two months after the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (spla) allowed 'Bunker 2', a single hull oil tanker, to drop anchor in Sri Lanka's territorial waters, environmentalists are warning that the ship is nothing but a disaster waiting to happen.
The tanker sailed into Sri Lankan territorial waters in early September, and was permitted by the slpa to unload its cargo of fuel into smaller vessels, while being anchored several nautical miles off shore. Concerned sources claim the tanker poses a great threat to marine resources. They also point out that the off shore operations the tanker is indulging in is robbing the ports of revenue. slpa officials admit permitting the tanker to carry out its unloading, but dismiss concerns about revenue loss and environmental disaster as "nonsense".
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.