X-PRESS PEARL: PM instructs to provide Rs. 5000 allowances for fishermen

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Rs. 5000 allowance for the fishing community that was affected due to the MV X-PRESS PEARL disaster will be provided from Monday (Jun. 14), Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said on Saturday (Jun. 12), during a discussion held at the Temple Trees on the matter. The Premier instructed that the coastal belt stretching from Negombo to Panadura be opened as soon as possible, following a proper study so that the affected communities in the area, can resume their fishing activities that are obstructed at present, as a result of the MV X-PRESS PEARL fire. Moreover, Prime Minister Mahinda had emphasized the importance of conducting a full assessment of the damages caused by the fire aboard the MV X-PRESS PEARL, with a focus on all areas of impact including the environment, fisheries industry, and the economy. The respective officials were also instructed to expedite the process of legal redressal from the relevant ownership company and to remove the vessel from its current location.