X-Press Pearl disaster could have spillover effect on hard-hit tourism sector: expert

• Says impact on sandy beaches and marine life will deal a severe blow to tourism industry 
• Points out even the few tourists coming to SL in future will think twice, if there is int’l news coverage on extensive damage
• Says biggest threat is from a possible oil spill, rupturing of oil tanks, and the sinking of the ship, as country ill-equipped to handle such a disaster

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam
 Sri Lanka’s struggling tourism sector could receive another major hit with the ongoing X-Press Pearl debacle not only leaving severe implications on marine biodiversity and ecosystem of the island nation, but also on the tourism sector, an industry veteran said.

As sandy beaches and rich marine life are unique selling points that are used to promote and market destination Sri Lanka to international travellers, the marine disaster caused by the now sinking container ship will leave long lasting impacts on the industry,says Tourism and Hospitality specialist Srilal Miththapala.

“Tourism still depends largely on our pristine beaches and exotic marine life. If there is widespread damage and international news coverage, definitely even the few tourists who are considering coming to Sri Lanka in the future will think twice,”Miththapala told Mirror Business yesterday.

He stated that the biggest threat is from a possible oil spill, rupturing of oil tanks, and the sinking of the ship, as Sri Lanka is neither geared nor capable of handling such a disaster, which will damage a vast stretch of shoreline.
Media reports stated that the Singapore registered X-Press Pearl has already started to break up and is sinking off Sri Lanka’s western coast. 

Miththapala cautioned that Sri Lanka is touted as an environmentally diverse pristine destination, and the X-Press Pearl disaster will lead to negative publicity damaging the island​​ nation’s positioning, which in turn have a negative impact on tourism.

Marine Biologist Asha de Vos, as quoted in an article by the Washing Post, called the event an “environmental disaster”.

She shared that it is worrisome that the currents could eventually carry the plastic pellets as far as the other side of the island, killing wildlife and damaging sensitive ecosystems.

The X-Press Pearl that was carrying tonnes of chemicals has been burning for about two weeks and massive amounts of plastic pellets have fouled the country’s rich fishing water.

It is acknowledged to be one of the worst-ever marine disasters. 

The ship’s cargo included nitric acid, and several other chemicals and cosmetics.