(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – Sri Lanka Minister of Justice Ali Sabry chaired another discussion on obtaining compensation covering all sectors regarding the impact and damage caused to Sri Lanka by the fire on the MV -X Press Pearl and to review the progress of the measures taken so far in this regard at the Ministry of Justice Tuesday.
The meeting was held at the Ministry of Justice today with the participation of State Minister Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, State Minister Kanchana Wijesekera and Attorney General Sanjaya Rajaratnam.
Discussions were held on the action taken regarding the oil spill from the submerged ship in the Sri Lankan waters and the Minister of Justice directed the officials of the Marine Environment Protection Authority, the Sri Lanka Navy, NARA and the Merchant Shipping Secretariat to remain vigilant in this regard.
Particular attention was paid to the damage to the coastal system as well as the clean-up operations due to the parts of the burnt ship reaching the beach.
The Minister also said that further discussions should be held on whether the fishermen could be involved in the beach clean-up by making a payment and taking the necessary steps.
The Minister of Justice said that if such an incident occurs in the future, a national committee to deal with it should be formed by all parties and appropriate action should be taken immediately.
It was discussed at this meeting that compensation is being paid to the fishermen who lost their jobs due to the fire on the ship and that steps are being taken to obtain full compensation.
Officials representing the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), Sri Lanka Navy, Foreign Ministry, Merchant Shipping Secretariat, NARA, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Central Environmental Authority, and Forest Conservation Department have commented on the measures taken so far in connection with the incident and the action to be taken in the future.
Secretary to the Ministry of Justice M. P. K. Mr. Mayadunne, Secretaries to Ministries, Government Officials and Attorneys at Law were present at the discussion.
