21 MPs to bring in a resolution to appoint select committees

To investigate X-PRESS pearl and New Diamond vessel disasters

• The select committee is to present its report to Parliament within two months

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Twenty-one ruling party MPs will move a resolution to appoint a select committee to investigate and make recommendations relating to disasters caused by New Diamond and X-PRESS Pearl vessels in the maritime zone of Sri Lanka

The resolution said a select committee should be appointed as the two disasters have caused huge damage to the marine ecosystem, as environmentalists have expressed views that both disasters will affect for a few more years, as some members of Parliament and media have disclosed deals between vessel insurance companies and certain individuals. The select committee is to present its report to Parliament within two months.

 The resolution has been signed by MPs Jayantha Ketagoda, Sanjeewa Edirimanne, Yadamini Gunawardene, D. Weerasinghe, Ranjith Bandara, Madura Withanage, Rajika Wickramasinghe, Gunatilaka Rajapaksha, Jagath Kumara Sumithrarachchi, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Sampath Athukorala, Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda, Sudarshana Denapitiya, Udayakantha Gunathilaka, Nimal Lanza, H. M. M. Harees, Sarath Weerasekera, Muditha Prishanthi, S. B. Dissanayake and Pradeep Undugoda.