Sri Lanka has asked for monetary assistance from its friendly nations to manage the crude oil tanker “MT New Diamond” ablaze off the Sangaman Kanda coast as the resources it has currently are inadequate to handle the situation. “We have presently asked for monetary assistance from our allying countries as the resources we have currently are inadequate to handle the situation completely, as the progression of the situation, it might affect the surrounding countries as well,” Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA)Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura said at a press conference held today (4) to share the steps being taken to mitigate the crisis of oil spillage with representatives of the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force. There were 270,000 tons of oil and therefore can result in the worst environmental calamity, as well as cause severe damage to the majority of marine life in the area. The owners of the crude oil tanker “MT New Diamond” ablaze off the Sangaman Kanda coast have been revealed as Porto Emporios Shipping Inc. under the Panama Flag. “We are very thankful to the Sri Lanka Air Force and Navy for mitigating the crisis of the eruption of fire in the oil tanker. I must stress that we are taking current steps to ensure that the spill of oil does not create a severe disaster. In terms of legal action, we have already filed a report at the Thirukovil Police Station, as well as our partnership with the Civil Liability Convention will assist us in progressing further,” commented Lahandapandura. Director General (Operations), Riyad Admiral Y. N. Jayarathne said, “There is no threat to Sri Lanka from the oil spillage presently. The action plan has already been discussed with the first step as dousing the fire to prevent severe threats to the environment. Our second step is to manage the oil spill and make sure that the vessel does not disintegrate to the sea. The crack of the vessel is situated in the port area, and the fire was caused by the intense heat generated from the engine room.” “As these are sensitive environmental zones, the worst-case scenario would be that the ship sinks to the ocean with at least 800 meters of oil spillage, which we would have to mitigate by removing it using manpower. The best-case scenario would be if the fire gets doused within the next few days, which can allow members of the Navy to manage the spillage and control it before the situation gets out of hand,” he further commented.