Environment Ministry to designate areas for safe sea bathing

Environment Ministry to designate areas for safe sea bathing

The Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy of Sri Lanka plans to designate areas around the country safe for people to sea bathe.
The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) under the purview of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) will conduct water tests to ensure that it was safe for bathing.

MEPA Operations Manager Jagath Gunasekara has said that tests have revealed the quality of water in some areas used for sea bathing at present is not suitable, local weekly Sunday Times reported.


“We have conducted tests in several main areas used for sea baths and found the quality of the water to be unsuitable. Therefore, some of the areas currently used are not safe, as bathing in these areas could cause skin irritation and damage to eyes,”MEPA Operations Manager Jagath Gunasekara said.

Initially, the project will be implemented in Tangalle, Polhena- Matara, Unawatua- Galle, Hikkaduwa, Calido-Kalutara, Bentota, Mt Lavina, Nilaveli- Trincomalee, Pasikudha– Batticaloa and Arugam Bay beaches.