The Port City Colombo recently played host to a special event to mark National Marine Resources Conservation Week and International Coastal Cleanup Day 2023. The event was held under the patronage of Hon. Sagala Rathnayake, Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Adviser on National Security. Sponsered by China Harbour Engineering Company – the force behind the development of Port City Colombo (PCC) – and the Marine Environment Protection Authority, the event encapsulated PCC’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Held on the 16th of September 2023, the event received widespread attention and support. Its primary goal was to combat marine pollution and raise awareness about responsible resource management. The impact of the event extended far beyond PCC, with initiatives spreading across 14 coastal districts as part of National Marine Resources Conservation Week.
Alongside Hon. Sagala Rathnayake, Mr. Asela B Rekawa (Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) , Mr. Supun Pathirage (Chairman of the Central Environment Authority), and other distinguished invitees were present at the event. Their collective presence helped to underscore the significance of the event.
Sri Lanka faces a pressing ocean pollution issue, with coastal activities responsible for more than 60% of marine contamination; the Island’s coastal areas are under increasing pressure, with approximately 65% of the population residing in urban centres and about 70% of industries concentrated along the coast. The Marine Environment Protection Authority, mandated by the Marine Pollution Prevention Act No. 35 of 2008, has taken on the crucial task of working to tackle the problem of marine pollution.
Port City Colombo, with its commitment to environmentally-friendly development, stands as a symbol of sustainable development and living. Through initiatives like this one, held to mark National Marine Resources Conservation Week and International Coastal Cleanup Day, PCC continues to inspire Sri Lanka and the world to protect our oceans, ensuring a cleaner and greener future for generations to come.