Reveal who allowed MV X-press Pearl to enter Sri Lankan waters: SJB

By Yohan Perera   

Whilst alleging that the ship MV X-press Pearl might have been allowed to come into Sri Lankan waters despite the nitric acid leak to enable remitting of some dollars in the form of insurance claims, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday said any probe that is conducted on the incident should be directed to uncover whether there has been such an eventuality.

SJB CO-Spokesman Manusha Nanayakkara told media that it is important to conduct a proper probe to determine, whether there was an agenda behind allowing X-press Pearl to enter into the Sri Lankan waters.   

“Some of the higher-ups in the government are closely associated with international insurance companies, and it should be determined whether they were behind the decision to allow the ship to enter Sri Lankan waters,” Mr. Nanayakkara said.   

“Some persons in the government are very good at allowing things to happen in order to get a benefit or political advantages out of certain happenings,” he added.   

“It is also important to find out as to whether permission of Sri Lanka Ports Authority is sufficient or whether it was necessary for the ship concerned to seek permission from Sri Lankan coast conservation authorities,” he also said.     

• Was there an agenda behind allowing X-press Pearl to enter Sri Lankan waters