A recent massive oil and fertiliser spill off Sri Lanka's southern coast has triggered a grave ecological and humanitarian crisis. "The pollutants have spread over an area of eight square kilometres along the coastline. This has threatened the marine life. Every day fisherfolk remove several tonnes of dead fish from the surface. "In some areas, the pollutants have spread to the beach because of high tide," says Dhanapala Weerasekara, chairman of the Federal Marine Pollution Prevention Authority. Chemicals used to contain the spill have reacted with the oil and NPK (nitrogen, potassium and phosphate) fertiliser, forming a soapy toxic solution, which experts say have killed more fish than the original pollutants.
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.