CPC commends joint efforts of MEPA, Armed Forces and Police as clean-up operations come to an end

Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) in a statement yesterday said as per information of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), the major oil clean-up operations have been completed. However,  Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd. (CPSTL), MEPA, Coast Guard and Sri Lanka Navy will continue to monitor the developments in the affected area.

Dammika Ranatunga, Chairman of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation was quoted in the statement as saying, “The burst in the buoy hose could have occurred due to rough sea conditions that prevailed on September 8, 2018. However, we are yet to determine the exact reason for the rupture and we have requested the Secretary to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources Development to conduct an independent investigation to identify the exact cause. Taking into consideration the possible impact of the oil spill on the environment, we took immediate measures to stop the leakage and informed the relevant authorities to enlist their support in the clean-up effort.”

“CPC and CPSTL together with the MEPA, Sri Lanka Navy, Air Force, Army, Police, Coast Guard, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, immediately joined to manage the spill and over 300 personnel were on ground to salvage affected areas. We highly commend their tireless efforts, working around the clock to contain the oil spill and minimise any damage to these areas," Ranatunga said.