Sri Lanka Marks World Oceans Day with Call to Protect Marine Life

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka today joined the global community in celebrating World Oceans Day under the theme “Save the Wonderful Ocean That Protects Us.”

The national celebration was held at the port city of Colombo and was chaired by the Minister of Environment, Dammika Patabendi.

Speaking at the event, S.P.C. Sugeeshwara the Additional Secretary to the President, said several initiatives and awareness programs are being carried out in connection with today’s observance.

World Oceans Day was first proposed during the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. In 2008, the UN officially declared June 8 as World Oceans Day.

The ocean plays a critical role in sustaining life on Earth, producing between 50% and 85% of the oxygen humans breathe and absorbing nearly 30% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions.

Despite its importance, the ocean is under growing threat—most notably from pollution. One of the most serious concerns raised at today’s event was the continuous discharge of waste, including plastic and polythene, into marine ecosystems.

Officials emphasized the urgent need for public awareness and stronger conservation efforts to ensure the long-term health of the ocean.