Sri Lanka appoints committee to monitor New Diamond oil tanker

COLOMBO (News1st): A committee has been appointed to monitor the New Diamond oil tanker that caught fire in Sri Lankan waters on Thursday, a minister said on Sunday. "We are aware that if an oil spill occurs, there will be massive damage caused to the environment," environment minister Mahinda Amaraweera cautioned. He pointed out that Sri Lanka's marine environment would be affected drastically in the event of an oil spill, although there is no immediate risk. "In order to face this situation, we had held discussions on an international platform as well," Amaraweera added. He said that a committee chaired by an additional secretary has been appointed to inquire into the present condition on the vessel. Meanwhile, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, on Sunday thanked all security agencies for their efforts in controlling the fire on the oil tanker. "I greatly appreciate your contribution in conserving Marine biodiversity by preventing a disastrous situation out in the ocean," Rajapaksa tweeted as the vessel was tugged away from Sri Lankan waters. He thanked the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Indian Defence Forces for their efforts during the operation.