On June 12, a resident of Mannar Island, Sri Lanka, found “strange white pebbles,” later confirmed as hazardous pellets from the MSC Elsa 3 shipping incident. The vessel, carrying dangerous chemicals, led to pollution as containers washed up on Kerala’s beaches, severely impacting 78,000 fishing families’ livelihoods across four districts.
The Eleen Armonia, a Bulgarian bulker, bravely rescued 34 seafarers from a burning fishing boat 500 miles southeast of Sri Lanka. The crew used hoses to control the flames and successfully evacuated the stranded seafarers after five hours of firefighting efforts. The rescued seafarers received care and supplies before being repatriated to Indonesia.
The government of Sri Lanka is pushing ahead with its digital public infrastructure strategy, sparking concerns over data privacy. Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, addressed these concerns at the BIMSTEC Digital Conclave 2025 in Colombo. He emphasized the importance of strong data protection frameworks to build public trust.
The delayed expansion of the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) at the Port of Colombo has led to increased costs and the need for new gantry cranes. Originally estimated at Rs 5 billion, the project now is projected to cost Rs 10 billion. The terminal’s extension aims to modernize and expand, with an anchorage increase.
The Cabinet of Ministers has endorsed a revised plan to acquire towing vessels to aid in operations at the Colombo Port due to the progress on the new terminal. This move anticipates completion by the year-end, prompting the hire of two tugboats to assist the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
South Asia Gateway Terminals Ltd. (SAGT) in Sri Lanka has reached a significant milestone by hitting two million TEU in 2024, marking the third time in its 25-year history. Despite post-pandemic challenges and economic crisis, CEO Romesh David credits the team’s hard work and investments in technology for this achievement.
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) prevented a disaster when a fire broke out on the MSC Cape Town III at the Port of Colombo. The quick response of the firefighting team contained the fire, saving 995 boxes being unloaded and 880 boxes loaded. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo, funded by a USD 6 million grant from India. The MRCC aims to enhance maritime safety in the region, showcasing the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. This event signifies a commitment to promoting security and stability in the maritime domain.
A magistrate in Colombo, Sri Lanka has ordered the master of a tanker responsible for a minor oil spill in the harbor to remain in the country for 30 days. The spill, traced back to the Indian-owned vessel Ark Prestige, has prompted authorities to seek compensation and take measures to contain and address the environmental impact.
A delegation from Thailand, including analysts and embassy officials, visited Hambantota International Port in Sri Lanka to explore business and investment opportunities. The visit is seen as a continuation of earlier interactions, with a focus on the upcoming free trade agreement between Sri Lanka and Thailand. DEALINGS PROMISING.
The Marine Environment Protection Authority of Sri Lanka has successfully detected an unauthorized oil release using a new satellite surveillance system funded by France. The system detected a large oil slick coming from the Global Crest crude oil tanker, leading to the ship being detained and fined nearly $50,000.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to declare the 21st March as National Seafarer’s Day in Sri Lanka. This will recognize and appreciate the contribution of seafarers to the local economy and create opportunities for the maritime profession to enhance the national economy.
