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Plastic pellets from capsized MV Elsa 3 sent to UK for chemical analysis
View(s):By Dilushi Wijesinghe
Samples of plastic pellets collected from affected coastal areas of Sri Lanka and India, after the cargo vessel MV Elsa 3 capsized, have been sent to the Greenpeace Science Unit in the UK for chemical analysis, with results expected in a month, Greenpeace South Asia’s Ocean and Climate Campaigner Anita Perera said.
Plastic pellets (known as nurdles) are still washing up along the shores from Jaffna to Matara, sparking urgent calls for accountability and stronger legal mechanisms to claim compensation.
Ms. Perera warned that the incident could mirror the 2021 X Press Pearl disaster, with pollution persisting for years. “Even four years after the X Press Pearl, plastic pellets are still washing onto our shores. This is not a short term impact. The polluter must take responsibility and act quickly,” she stressed.
She said Greenpeace teams conducted immediate field assessments in Kochi, India, and in Mannar, Sri Lanka, after reports emerged in June that nurdles from the sunken vessel were reaching coastlines. Indian fishing communities have also reported pellets entering their homes due to their proximity to the shoreline.
In India, Greenpeace issued press releases, sent letters to the government, and engaged with the media to raise awareness. In Sri Lanka, a similar approach was taken including a press conference and the release of a white paper detailing potential impacts on livelihoods, the economy, and biodiversity.
The group has also been in discussions with the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) to assess the damage and coordinate a response.
However, she cautioned that Sri Lanka still lacks key international legal frameworks including marine pollution conventions that would strengthen claims for compensation. “Without these agreements in our legislation, securing proper compensation will be extremely difficult,” she said. Relevant documents have been submitted to the Cabinet and await approval.
Greenpeace along with civil society organisations have identified three critical needs: improved research and monitoring capacity, public awareness, and policy reform with litigation support. Ms. Perera underscored the importance of Sri Lanka and India maintaining an open dialogue to address both immediate and future risks.
“We need accountability, regional cooperation and strong legal tools,” she said. “Island nations like ours have limited resources and technology, so we must ensure that polluters are held responsible for the full scope of damage caused.”
Meanwhile, the Marine Environment Protection Authority was in Jaffna for a pellet cleanup, and its General Manager, Jagath Gunasekara, was unavailable for comment.
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