• Two-week underwater cleanup recovers 3,289kg of waste carried into Trincomalee Bay after Cyclone Ditwah

More than 3.2 tonnes of marine debris have been removed from coral reefs in Trincomalee Bay during a two-week underwater cleanup operation carried out in response to damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

A report released by The Biodiversity Project stated the operation was coordinated by The Biodiversity Project, Earthlanka Youth Network and Kalpitiya Diving Centre Sri Lanka, with support from World Vision Lanka, the Marine Environment Protection Authority, Sustainable Ocean Alliance and Snafu Project.

A total of 3,289.13 kilograms of marine debris was recovered during 23 dives carried out by certified volunteer divers at four sites across Trincomalee Bay.

Cyclone Ditwah brought as much as 375 milimetre of rain within 24 hours in late November 2025, causing widespread flooding across Sri Lanka. The floodwaters carried large quantities of debris through the Mahaweli River and into Trincomalee Bay, affecting coral reef systems in the area. The reefs are important for marine life, biodiversity, tourism and the livelihoods of coastal communities in the Eastern Province. Sandy Bay Reef was the worst-affected site, accounting for 62.2 per cent of the total debris collected, or 2,044.59kg. Navy Island and Swami Rock also recorded significant amounts of entangled ghost fishing nets.

Two follow-up surveys conducted in July and August this year found early signs of recovery at the affected sites, including increased fish numbers and new coral growth. The surveys also recorded localised algal growth and small amounts of debris that had accumulated again around recreational areas. Discussions with local fisherfolk found that declining fish stocks, unregulated boat activity and continued pollution were affecting traditional livelihoods.

The report stated the condition of the reefs was also being affected by long-term sources of pollution, weak waste management infrastructure and fragmented institutional responses. It also identified fast-fashion textile waste as one of the contributors to marine pollution.

The Biodiversity Project added that the response to marine debris should move beyond one-off cleanup operations towards long-term and coordinated management of marine waste. It also called for stronger enforcement and greater international support for climate adaptation, resilience and accountability.