The Fundamental Rights petition filed by environmental scientist Dr. Ajantha Perera and a social activist seeking an order directing the authorities to set up a Restoration and Conservation Fund for the environmental degradation due to the pollution caused by the X-Press Perl vessel was today fixed for support by Supreme Court.

 

Supreme Court two-judge-bench comprising Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Mahinda Samayawardena fixed the petition to be taken up for support on December 1.

 

Meanwhile, four other petitions including the Fundamental Rights petition of Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith were also fixed for support on December 1.

 

The petitioners, Dr Ajantha Perera and Jeran Jegatheesan are seeking an order to allocate not less than 70% of all compensation received, for the restoration the of oceanic environment.

 

The petitioners had named the Marine Environment Protection Authority and its Chairman Dharshani Lahandapura,  Sri Lanka Ports Authority, State Minister of Urban Development Nalaka Godahewa and several others as respondents.

 

The petitioners are further seeking an order to take immediate steps for the prosecution of all those responsible in connection with the X-Press Pearl disaster.

 

Senior Counsel Chrismal Waransuriya appeared for the petitioner.

 

Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle appeared for the Attorney General. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)