MEPA collects samples of tar-like substance from Trinco shores

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has collected samples of a tar-like substance that washed onto the shores of Trincomalee.

The samples will be directed to special laboratory tests in Colombo.

"A special team was also deployed to inspect a ship anchored at the Trincomalee Port on suspicion that the substance was released from the ship", MEPA said "samples were also recovered from this ship".

Legal action will be taken against ships releasing such substances into the sea, MEPA said.

In the meantime, steps are being taken to clean the Trincomalee coastal area.

The fishing and tourism activities in the area were seriously affected due to this.