X-Press Pearl: CID to record statement from Wijeyadasa over bribe revelation

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Criminal Investigation Department said a statement will be recorded from Minister of Justice Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe regarding a revelation he made of a person who received a bribe while filing a lawsuit to obtain compensation for damages caused due to the X-Press Pearl disaster.

A senior officer said the Justice Minister will be summoned to the CID next week.

He added that a broad investigation is underway with the Investigation Unit of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka regarding the relevant person's overseas accounts following the revelation.

Meanwhile, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) said measures have been taken to reassess the damage caused by the X-Press Pearl vessel that caught fire in the Sea of Sri Lanka.

MEPA Chairman Attorney Asela B. Rekawa said the report is being formulated based on the directives of the Attorney General's Department.