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The system change will not work for environmental conservation without first changing human attitudes
The environmental devastation caused to Sri Lanka’s seabed and coastal ecosystem as a result of the X-Press Pearl disaster is incalculable.
The wreck of the feeder vessel now lies partially submerged off the coast of Sri Lanka. According to the available information, there are still around 46 different chemical containers aboard the gutted ship and they are believed to be highly toxic to flora, fauna, human beings and the environment as a whole. The contents of some of these containers have already leaked into sea water poisoning marine life. The only visible pollutants now are plastic pellets.
So far, the carcasses of 220 turtles, 20 dolphins and seven whales have been found in the coastal areas. The number of carcasses of marine life may increase with the speed of leakages of the chemical containers. Unfortunately, only up to 10% of carcasses are swept to the sea shore by waves. The direct impact here was largely on reptiles and mammals rather than fish.
Mammals and reptiles play a key role both as predators and as well as prey in the seawater ecosystem. Chemicals directly affect plants and plankton and may cause to reduce the oxygen level in the seabed.
Plastic takes between 500 to 1,000 years to decompose. This means that the tons of plastic pellets that remain will continue to cause harm to the ecosystem for anything up to one thousand years. Marine species face the threat of eating these pellets and dying due to damage caused to their digestive system.
Some rare and threatened marine species may become extinct. Corals may have already died, and there is a need for research to conserve corals that may have survived. Acidic rains are also to be expected under the circumstances.
As a result of nitric acid, sodium dioxide, copper and lead in sea water, the toll on marine life will be heavy with small fish dying quickly due to poisoning. The affected seabed and its environs will remain dangerous for fauna and humans for many more years to come.
In such a distressing situation, how can we protect the marine ecosystem and its diversity? Environmental impacts of the X-Press Pearl disaster indicate that it may take millions of years to recover and restore Sri Lanka’s ecosystem.
In addition, we can identify deforestation as a continuing disaster to our natural environment in many forms. Recent causes for deforestation can be identified as agriculture, human settlements and infrastructure development projects.
Deforestation primarily affect the oxygen level of the atmosphere. When we look back at the past few years, floods and droughts were big environmental problems that the country had to grapple with at substantial cost.
Wildlife extinction and habitat loss also impact negatively on the whole ecosystem and biodiversity of the country. Endemic and threatened species are vulnerable in such a situation.
Though reforestation is not the only option, it is a globally effective and long-lasting solution to save the earth. Tree planting programs are also not the only solution in this context. What the government authorities must do is to conserve the existing forest cover, enhance forest patches for planting.
On a daily basis, we hear of environmental conservation and strident calls to address contentious issues and assurances that it will be done. I always look into these burning issues on a different level with focus on changing human attitudes. Without first changing attitudes, I believe the system change will not work for environmental conservation.
Whether it was the X-Press Pearl disaster or deforestation, the key role revolves around humans. All government leaders as well as the people must be given the personal responsibility of protecting the environment, conserving biodiversity and saving the earth.
A change of human attitude will make this world a better place to live in.
– Sujeewa Kumari (LLB, MA, MEM),
Attorney-at-law, Secretary, Wildreach Trust.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
