Pic by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

The police have begun investigations to identify and take action against those who had rushed to the shores of Dungalpitiya,Negombo, Pamunugama and nearby areas to collect waste from the burning ship ‘MV X-Press Pearl’. 

Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said that various kinds of waste material being washed ashore, are being collected and taken away by certain individuals.   

It is reported that people had gathered at the beach especially in the Pamunugama, Dungalpitiya, Negombo and Kochchikade police areas to collect these items. 

 
“Individuals gathering in those areas were seen violating quarantine laws, especially on a day when travel restrictions are in force, It was not possible to say whether the items being washed ashore were toxic and how hazardous they are. Collecting such items poses a risk to others ,” he said.  Earlier, the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) also requested the public to avoid touching or opening such material or packages as they might contain toxic/poisonous objects.   

The spokesman said that the Negombo SSP has commenced an investigation against those individuals for violating quarantine laws.   

Accordingly, the Pamunugama, Dungalpitiya and Negombo police are conducting special investigations examing the video footages and action to be taken against those responsible for violating the quarantine laws, DIG Rohana said.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)     

• the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) also requested the public to avoid touching or opening such material or packages as they might contain toxic/poisonous objects