Who We Are
The Marine Environment Protection Authority abbreviated MEPA is the apex body established by the Government of Sri Lanka, under the provisions of Marine Pollution Prevention Act No.59 of 1981, which was later repealed by Marine Pollution Prevention Act No.35 of 2008. MEPA is presently under the purview of the Ministry of Environment and Wildlife Resources and is entrusted with the sole responsibility of preventing, controlling, and managing the pollution of Sri Lankaâs marine environment. We are also responsible for the enforcement of the above enactment.
Vision
A healthy coastal and ocean environment for future generations.
Mission
Be the guardian of the coastal and ocean environment by means of awareness, research, public participation, national, regional & international coordination, prompt actions, and enforcement.
History
In the beginning, the authority which was established in 1991 under the provisions of Marine Pollution Prevention (MPP) Act No 59 of 1981, was called Marine Pollution Prevention Authority (MPPA) and was under the purview of the Ministry of Port and Shipping until 1994. However, with the passage of time, in order to meet the growing challenges in marine pollution prevention in Sri Lanka, caused due to global advancements of economic development activities, the prevailed MPP Act No 59 of 1981 was repealed by Marine Pollution Prevention Act No. 35 of 2008. One significant change introduced with the act, which was made effective from January 1st, 2009, was the renaming of MPPA as Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA). This act has strengthened the law enforcement capabilities of the Authority in order to deal with any act of marine environment pollution in a more effective and efficient manner.
MPPA & MEPA was regulated under various ministries since 1991 as stated as follows:
- 1991 â Ministry of Port and Shipping
- 1994 â Ministry of Port Development and Rehabilitation & Reconstruction
- 2001 â Ministry of Port & Southern Development
- 2002 â Ministry of Fisheries & Ocean Resources
- 2004 â Ministry of Environment
- 2009 â Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia
- 2010 â Ministry of Environment
- 2015 â Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment
- 2019 â Ministry of Environment and Wildlife Resources
- 2020 â Ministry of Urban Development and Housing
Functions and Responsibilities of MEPA
Efficient Administration of Marine Protection Laws
Implementing the provisions of the Marine Environment Protection Act with precision and effectiveness.
National Contingency Plan for Oil Pollution
Formulating and implementing a comprehensive national plan to swiftly address oil pollution incidents.
Investigations for Environmental Accountability
Conducting inquiries and legal proceedings to hold accountable those responsible for pollution from maritime activities.
Adherence to International Standards
Recommending adherence to international conventions and protocols on marine pollution ratified by the government of Sri Lanka.
Collaborative Research for Pollution Prevention
Conducting joint research initiatives for the prevention and management of pollution from ship-based activities.
Community Awareness for Marine Preservation
Initiating awareness campaigns to educate and engage communities in the imperative to preserve the environment.
Holistic Scheme for Pollution Management
Formulating and executing a comprehensive scheme for the prevention, reduction, and control of pollution.
Supervision of Natural Resource Exploration
Overseeing, regulating, and supervising individuals engaged in the exploration of natural resources, including petroleum.
Comprehensive Action for Environmental Mandates
Undertaking necessary actions to perform all functions related to the protection and management of the marine environment.
Cutting-Edge Port Waste Reception Facilities
Providing state-of-the-art facilities for the reception of port waste, including oil, harmful substances, and pollutants.
Effective Safeguarding of Territorial Waters
Vigilantly protecting Sri Lanka's territorial waters from pollution linked to ship and shore based activities.
Strategic Measures for Territorial Management
Taking strategic measures to manage, safeguard, and preserve Sri Lanka's territorial waters, foreshore, and coastal zones.
Oversight of Sea Transport for Pollution Prevention
Vigilantly overseeing all sea transport of oil and bunkering operations to prevent pollution in Sri Lanka's territorial waters.