X-Press Pearl : Investigations Incomplete - AG

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Attorney General informed court on Friday (06) that the investigations into the damages caused to Sri Lanka's marine life and marine environment following the leak of chemicals and fuel from the MV X-Press Pearl, are yet to conclude.

The Attorney General said the Marine Environment Protection Authority, Department of Wildlife, and the Government Analyst's Department are conducting joint investigations.

When the matter was called up in the presence of Colombo Chief High Court Judge Damith Thotawatte on Friday (06) counsel appearing for the local shipping agent as well as the Captain and other suspects noted that MEPA had taken measures to secure a fine of Rs. 15 Million from a separate shipping company after oil leaked from their ship in the seas off Hambantota several weeks ago, and requested that X-Press Pearl also be awarded such relief.

Defense Counsel noted that the shipping company (X-Press Feeders) had already paid Rs. 720 Million as interim compensation for the damage caused to the environment and also noted that cases were filed against their clients at the Colombo High Court, and therefore based on the existing laws only a maximum fine of Rs. 15 million can be imposed.

Court ordered the detectives to submit a progress report on the investigations on the 28th of September and fixed the case for that day.

HL: X-Press Pearl: Investigation on marine disaster yet to conclude, says AG