Coastal clean up program at Mount Lavina beach

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) jointly with the Environment and Renewable Energy Ministry has organised a series of programs to mark "International Coastal Cleanup Day 2013' to raise awareness on the importance of conserving marine environment. The main program was held yesterday from 8.30 am to 11.30 am at the Mount Lavina beach with the participation of schoolchildren, undergraduates, public institution and non governmental organisation officers and security personnel.

Coastal cleanup programs were also conducted in Kalutara, Gampaha, Ampara, Galle and Matara districts on September 17 and 18. More coastal cleanup programs have been organised covering Puttlam, Hambantota and Trincomalee districts from today to September 30.

Even though marine and coastal environments provide an immense contribution for the survival of human beings, these sensitive eco-systems have been subjected to serve pollution due to unscrupulous activities of people. Sri Lanka being an island nation is closely connected with the sea. Sri Lanka's maritime boundary expands to 200 nautical miles. The responsibility to protect the marine and coastal environments lies with each and every citizens, sources said.

It has been found out that about 90 percent of the marine debris was generated as result of human activities.

The majority of the marine debris consists of non-biodegradable items such as plastics, polythene, rubber, glass and regiform etc. These endanger the existence of the entire plant and animal species in the marine and coastal environments and affect tourism and fishing industries.