Inquiry into Corruption Linked to X-Press Pearl Case

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Environment, Dr. Dhammika Patabendige, has announced plans to appoint a special committee to investigate allegations of corruption and irregularities in the legal proceedings related to the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster.

The Minister stated that the committee will be established within the coming month. 

Its primary objective will be to examine the legal process that followed the incident, particularly focusing on the government's agreements and the compensation claims made in its aftermath.

The X-Press Pearl caught fire and sank off the coast of Negombo on May 20, 2021, causing severe damage to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystem. 

Since then, numerous complaints have been lodged regarding the handling of legal procedures and the compensation recovery efforts.

In addition to these concerns, questions have also been raised about the decision to allow the vessel entry into the Port of Colombo prior to the incident. 

The newly appointed committee will study these issues and provide recommendations for further action.

Legal proceedings related to the disaster are currently underway in both Singapore and Australia, as Sri Lanka seeks compensation for the environmental damage caused.