Chemicals from X-PRESS PEARL cause for dead marine life; Environment Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Environment Minister on Sunday (30) said marine species and birds have died as a result of the chemical debris from the blazing MV X-PRESS PEARL container ship.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera speaking to News 1st said the The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) is already conducting tests on fish specimen from the polluted western coast.

According to the available information, the fish had died due to poisoning, the Minister said.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation has launched a separate investigation into whether the chemical from the blazing MV X-PRESS PEARL container ship resulted in marine species destruction.

The wildlife department said it had instructed field officials to investigate the costal belt to locate the carcases of marine species that may wash ashore.