Decision must be made to move MT New Diamond; AG

MEPA informs AG on need to move MT New Diamond out of SL Waters

by Zulfick Farzan 08-09-2020 | 6:35 PM

Colombo (News 1st); Attorney General Dappula De Livera had focused on the urgent need to reach a decision to move the burning MT New Diamond out of Sri Lankan waters, as informed by the Marine Environment Protection Authority, said State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne, the Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General.

The Attorney General on Monday (07) held a meeting with the Director-General of Merchant Shipping & Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority with regard to the distressed MT New Diamond Crude Oil Tanker.

During the meeting measures taken and immediate measures required to be taken by the Marine Environment Protection Authority were discussed at length, said State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne, the Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General.

Further, the need to engage in coordinated efforts with all stakeholders in the event of an oil spill was also discussed at the meeting.

The Marine Environment Protection Authority had already written to the overseas insurance company on the 04th of September with regard to three steps that need to be taken with regard to the distressed MT New Diamond.

These measures are to take immediate measures to contain & douse the fire, take measures to prevent an oil leak and move the MT New Diamond out of Sri Lankan waters as well as to take the necessary measures.

The Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority had informed the Attorney General the overseas insurance company is yet to respond or take necessary measures with regard to the letter dated the 04th of September.

Therefore, the Attorney General had highlighted the need to reach a decision to move the distressed MT New Diamond out of Sri Lankan waters.