Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2022-01-31

Present situation of the MV X-Press Pearl Maritime Disaster

- The debris and wreck removal of the MV X-Press Pearl subjected to maritime disaster has been commenced and the said activities are to be completed within 120 days. The following further matters submitted by the Minister of Justice in that regard were noted by the Cabinet:

* that, in view of ensuring that no further marine pollution takes place due to the debris removal process, a monitoring committee under the chairmanship of the Director General of the Merchant Shipping Secretariat and comprising the representatives of the relevant institutions has been appointed to monitor the said process;

* that, the first installment of compensation has been paid to all aggrieved fishermen;

* that, the fishing ban in the Kalutara district has been completely lifted;

* that, subsequent to the completion of the debris removal process, the said ban in the Colombo and Gampaha districts will also be lifted;

* that, USD 3.7 million has been credited to the Government of Sri Lanka as part of the claims of the Fisheries and Marine Environment Protection Authority and negotiations are being conducted with P&I Club to obtain the rest of the claims;

* that, bio samples of sea creatures and other samples have been forwarded to foreign laboratories for analysis;

* that, Sparke Helmore Lawyers, Australia provide legal advice pertaining to environmental loss claims.