X-Press Pearl Payouts Under Scrutiny

COLOMBO (News 1st); A parliamentary oversight committee has turned its attention to how compensation funds received in connection with the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster have been allocated and spent.

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture, and Sustainable Resources—chaired by MP Hector Appuhamy—met in Parliament to review the disbursement of funds, particularly those meant for fisherfolk and coastal protection.

According to the Parliamentary Communications Department, the committee has requested a detailed report outlining:

The total compensation received
Amounts paid to affected fisherfolk
Expenditures on coastal protection
Remaining unspent funds

Officials present at the meeting revealed that Rs. 293 million allocated for the fisheries sector remains unutilized.

The committee expressed displeasure over the failure to distribute these funds, especially given the hardships faced by fishing communities. 

Officials cited reasons such as beneficiaries traveling abroad and failure to present necessary documentation as causes for the delay, but assured that steps are being taken to ensure the remaining funds are disbursed.