NRI expertise to curb sea water pollution

28 February 2012 07:31 pm

The Power and Energy Ministry is to use Nuclear and Radio Isotope (NRI) technology for sea water pollution management for the first time as sea water contamination has gone out of control in the seas surrounding Sri Lanka, a Ministry spokesman said.

He said a workshop on sea water management was held for scientists, managers, officials and researchers recently sponsored by the Atomic Energy Authority of Sri Lanka (AEASL) and world renowned Japanese scientist and atomic energy expert Rifart Kureshi delivered the keynote address.

A sample test on sea water was also done in Panadura and Wadduwa to determine the pollution level on sea water during the workshop, he said.

Meanwhile, the AEASL on the instructions of Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has decided to put a halt to the use of sub standard X-ray machines at private medical clinics as they posed a huge threat to the health of the people.

"The X-ray machines require AEASL approval for their use at medical clinics as the haphazard use of X-ray machines is a huge health risk to the human body.  Therefore, it is illegal to use an X-ray machine without the AEASL approval,” the spokesman said.

He said Minister Ranawaka has instructed the AEASL to conduct raids and take legal action against clinics that use unauthorised X-ray machines.

Legal action has been taken by the AESL which raided several such clinics in Kandy. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)