- Understanding impact of this overlooked threat in SL waters
Throughout history, Sri Lanka’s coastline has been protected from storms, pirates, and oil spills. But in recent years, a new and silent threat has emerged. Billions of tiny plastic pellets, known as ‘nurdles’, have washed up on our shores, most notably following the MV X-Press Pearl incident in 2021 and the MSC ELSA 3 spill in 2025.
At first sight, these pellets might appear harmless, resembling grains of sand. However, despite their small size, they pose a significant threat to marine life, the coastal economy, and national security.
What are nurdles?
Nurdles are the raw materials used to make nearly every plastic object we use daily. They are shipped in massive quantities worldwide and transported as cargo across oceans. When accidents occur – such as container spills, poor handling, or illegal disposal – nurdles are released into the water. Once in the ocean, they are almost impossible to remove, leaving behind persistent pollution that continues to affect marine ecosystems.
Why SL is at risk?
Sri Lanka’s strategic location along a crucial east-west maritime route makes it a hub for international trade. While this brings economic advantages, it also heightens the risk of maritime accidents. Thousands of kilometers of shoreline can be contaminated by a single nurdle spill, threatening fragile ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Our geography makes the country both vulnerable and underprepared.
Lessons from past disasters
The MV X-Press Pearl and MSC ELSA 3 incidents revealed both improvements and enduring flaws in Sri Lanka’s maritime governance. While response to the MSC ELSA 3 spill was faster, little progress was made in cleanup methods, damage assessment, technology, or resource allocation compared to the X-Press Pearl disaster. Delays in reporting hazardous cargo, weak inter-agency coordination, and inadequate response infrastructure remain persistent challenges. These events underline the urgent need for a unified maritime authority, modern legislative frameworks, advanced vessel tracking, and stronger disaster preparedness.
Nurdles as a security threat
The impact of nurdle pollution extends beyond the environment. Critical sectors such as tourism and fisheries are disrupted, directly affecting the country’s economic stability. The greatest long-term concern lies in microplastics entering the human food chain, posing a serious threat to food security. Cross-border pollution may also strain relations with neighboring countries, adding a geopolitical dimension to this environmental crisis. The United Nations now recognises plastic waste as a non-traditional security threat, making it imperative for Sri Lanka to treat nurdle pollution with the same urgency as oil spills. Protecting the blue economy requires strict maritime protocols, regional cooperation, and stronger accountability for polluters.
Gaps in response and governance
Despite the recurring nature of marine pollution incidents, responses remain inadequate. A robust legal framework and effective disaster management mechanisms are still lacking. Accountability has been limited, as seen in the aftermath of the X-Press Pearl spill, and public attention to such disasters often fades quickly. Volunteer organisations such as The Pearl Protectors play a critical role through community engagement, and groups like Greenpeace South Asia contribute through activism and awareness. While invaluable, these efforts cannot fully compensate for the need for stronger state-led mechanisms.
The way forward
Sri Lanka’s future depends on the health of its waters. By recognising nurdle pollution as a national security issue and prioritising action, the country can safeguard not only its environment but also its people, economy, and sovereignty. Immediate reforms, stronger enforcement, and collaborative efforts are essential to protect our coasts and ensure a sustainable future.
(The author is a volunteer writer of The Pearl Protectors)
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication