FINANCIAL CHRONICLE — The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) of Sri Lanka has introduced a new mobile application, named Ocean Watch, aimed at enhancing marine and coastal conservation efforts through digitization, according to the agency’s announcement.
This innovative platform is designed to improve waste management along the nation’s coastlines and ports by fostering better collaboration among government entities, local authorities, and private sector organizations.
Users of the application can report incidents of marine pollution and submit environmental complaints instantly. Additionally, it enables authorities to identify coastal areas that need urgent clean-up operations and pinpoint strategic locations within canals for the installation of waste barriers to prevent terrestrial waste from entering the ocean.
According to MEPA, “This new digital tool will enhance the effectiveness of marine environmental management while enabling citizens to actively participate in the preservation of Sri Lanka’s marine resources.”
The application also serves as a link between governmental bodies and the private sector, aiding in the organization of beach clean-up initiatives.
MEPA emphasized that the app will motivate private companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to take responsibility for specific coastal areas, maintaining them for agreed durations as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments. (Colombo/July 14/2026)
