X-Press Pearl disaster SC calls for a progress report on compensation payment

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The Supreme Court yesterday directed the Attorney General to submit a progress report regarding the payment of compensation to the fishermen who were severely affected by the X-Press Pearl disaster.   

The Supreme Court made this direction pursuant to the submissions made by counsel who appeared on behalf of the petitioners to the effect that the victims of the X-Press Pearl disaster have not been paid since November last year.   

Counsel Himali Kularatne appearing for Rev. Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda and fishermen representing Negombo and Chilaw submitted to court that the victims have not received compensations since November, 2022.   
Supreme Court four-judge-bench headed by Supreme Court Justice Murdu Fernando fixed the petitions to be heard on October 5 and 6.   

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ), Rev. Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda and fishermen representing Negombo and Chilaw had filed Fundamental Rights petitions seeking an order directing the respondents to award compensation to the fishermen who were severely affected by the X-Press Pearl disaster.   

The petitioners state that the blazing ship and the chemical spill and plastic pellets have already caused untold, irreversible and irremediable damage to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystem fishing community and pristine beaches, including popular tourist destinations, which beaches are thickly coated in plastic pellets.   

Senior Counsel Ravindranath Dabare appeared for the Centre for Environmental Justice. Counsel Himali Kularatne appeared for Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda and two fishermen. Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle appeared for the Attorney General.