World News for Students of English

04-08-2025 07:00

Sri Lanka’s coastline is facing a major environmental crisis after toxic debris, including plastic nurdles, chemicals, and oil, began washing ashore. The pollution probably comes from the MSC Elsa 3, a container ship that sank in Indian waters in May.

Cleanup teams are working on affected areas, but environmentalists warn of serious damage to marine life, ecosystems, and the economy. Many worry that fish stocks and tourism will suffer. The plastic nurdles, tiny pellets used to make plastic products, are especially dangerous because sea animals can easily eat them. Authorities are collecting evidence for future compensation claims. The event reminds many of Sri Lanka’s worst maritime disaster in 2021, when the MV Express Pearl caught fire. Environmental experts say Sri Lanka must improve its laws, disaster response, and technology to deal with such maritime threats. They also call for international accountability and fast action to prevent further damage to its marine environment.

Difficult words: nurdle (a tiny plastic ball used to make plastic products), compensation (money given for damage or loss), accountability (responsibility).

You can watch the video news lower on this page.