The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Record of Discussions (R/D) with the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on May 4 in Colombo for the technical cooperation project “Capacity Building for Oil Spray Response for Marine Disaster Control and Marine Environment Protection The project is a technical cooperation project to enhance oil control response capacity for marine disaster response and marine environmental protection.
Sri Lanka is located on a major maritime artery (sea lane) connecting Asia with the Middle East and Europe, and is a major transportation route for crude oil and other commodities. In recent years, the risk of marine pollution has increased along Sri Lanka’s southern coast due to an increase in maritime traffic resulting from increased economic activity, marine resource development, and the development of large new ports. In the event of a marine accident, the environment and economy are expected to be affected by the spillage of fuel and other oil, and a prompt response is required. However, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Agency does not have an organizational structure in place for continuous and independent training in oil control techniques. In light of this situation, this project, with support from the Japan Coast Guard, aims to improve the oil spill response capability of the Sri Lankan Coast Guard Agency by training instructors and establishing a continuous and independent training system, thereby contributing to SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) Goal 9 (Create a foundation for industry and technological innovation) and Goal 14 (Protect the marine wealth). Protecting the richness of our oceans.
© Source JICA