Our coastal and marine research addresses the impacts of climate variability, infrastructure development, and marine disasters on coastal ecosystems and marine environments. The work combines scientific analysis, disaster response support, and stakeholder engagement to inform mitigation, adaptation, and policy decisions. Key Projects Undertaken:

• X-Press Pearl Ship Disaster (2021–Ongoing)
• Climate Change Impacts on Seasonally and Intermittently Open Tidal Inlets (2010–2013)
• Sethusamudram Canal Construction Project (1999–2005)

1. X-Press Pearl Ship Disaster (2021-ongoing)

This project was initiated following the marine ecological disaster caused by fire and explosions aboard the MV X-Press Pearl on 20 May 2021, and the subsequent sinking of the vessel on 2 June 2021 off the western coast of Sri Lanka. Objectives and activities:

• Support disaster mitigation by analyzing what occurred and identifying potential future risks
• Classification of the ship’s cargo, including hazardous chemicals (e.g., nitric acid) and millions of plastic pellets and raw materials
• Monitoring and prediction of dispersion of emissions and spills
• Assessment of ongoing and long-term environmental impacts

Research Contributions:

• Air pollution modeling related to the onboard fires
• Analysis of available instrumental air quality data along the western coast
• Planned analysis of meteorological conditions during the ship’s journey, including the role of stormy weather

Outputs:

• Research findings submitted to governmental committees investigating the disaster
• Results shared with the Sri Lankan scientific community for review

2. Climate Change Impacts on Seasonally and Intermittently Open Tidal Inlets (2010-2013)

This project examined how climate variability and change affect seasonally and intermittently open tidal inlets (SIOTIs). Funding: UNESCO–IHE Institute for Water Management Key Outcomes:

• Development of a comprehensive description of streamflow flux production processes
• Study sites included: ( Maha Oya and Negombo Lagoon (Sri Lanka), Songkhla Lagoon (Thailand) )

3. Sethusamudram Canal Construction Projects (1999-2005)

The Sethusamudram Canal Project, proposed in 1999 by India’s then Defense Minister George Fernandes, aimed to excavate a shipping canal through the Palk Straits to reduce travel time for Indian vessels that currently circumnavigate Sri Lanka. Concerns and Context:

• Raised serious environmental concerns in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu
• Potential for significant marine and coastal environmental impacts

FECT's Contributions:

• Participation in multiple awareness and consultation meetings
• Engagement with: (National Aquatic Research Agency (NARA), University of Peradeniya and Kandy Nature Society)
• Publication of newspaper articles to inform the public and authorities

Despite strong advocacy efforts, the project has not materialized, largely due to sustained environmental objections.
(Extracted from charitable activities)