By Yohan Perera  

Fishermen’s associations yesterday expressed mixed feelings about the impact of the burnt ship MV-Express Pearl whilst environmentalists and institutions dealing with coast conservation and environment as a whole alleged that there would be a similar impact.  

All Ceylon United Fisheries’ Union President Maxi Coonghe told Daily Mirror that the fishermen are yet to realise the impact caused by the burnt ship to their livelihood.  

The All Ceylon General Fishermen’s Association President Nihal Gallappathi said the fisher folk from Panadura to Chilaw had been affected by the burnt ship. “The livelihoods of fishermen living in the coast from Chilaw to Panadura are affected by the situation. We ask the government to pay compensation to fishermen in the affected areas before assessing and calling for compensation from the company which owns the ship,” he said.