• The Harbour Police had initiated investigation and the findings of the  investigations have been reported to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The Police has initiated investigation after the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) lodged a complaint to the Colombo Harbour Police to take legal action against the Captain of the X-Press Pearl ship, which caught fire near the Colombo Harbour and its parent company, over the environmental damage caused, police said. 

Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said the Harbour Police had initiated investigation and the findings of the investigations have been reported to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.  

Accordingly, the samples have been sent to Government Analyst’s Department for analysis.  
Moreover, DIG Rohana said that the crew members including the Captain of the “MV X-Press Pearl’ were currently being quarantined.  

“Therefore, the police are not able to record statements from them and the police will also contact the local agent of the shipping line, and further action will be taken accordingly,” he added.