• The need to develop legal infrastructure in line with international conventions identified
• A Committee appointed to  identify  legal  provisions  related to Maritime Law in line with International and Domestic requirements

By Sandun A Jayasekera

The government has taken steps to prevent mass scale marine pollution similar to the massive environmental disaster caused by the inferno onboard the Cargo ship, Express Pearl and New Diamond in Sri Lanka waters, government spokesman, Plantation Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said.

Accordingly,a committee has been appointed to  identify  the  legal  provisions  related to Maritime Law in line with the International and Domestic requirements, he added.

The need to develop legal infrastructure in line with the international conventions has been identified, taking into account the international requirements in the formulation of domestic laws and the ratification of international agreements when  promoting  Sri Lanka as a maritime hub considering Sri Lanka's strategic location in the Indian Ocean,”

Minister Dr. Pathirana stressed.  The need to introduce new laws has been confirmed in view of the recent damage caused by the MT New Diamond and the MV Express Pearl vessels in Sri Lankan waters. The committee led by Chandana Jayasundera PC is expected to recommend the mode of compensation, damages and other relief to victims by the shipping companies and their agents in addition to amendments to the existing laws.