News Today: Government to Probe X-Press Pearl Disaster for Accountability

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced that the government is launching an in-depth investigation into the X-Press Pearl disaster, which occurred in 2021, causing one of the most significant environmental crises in Sri Lanka’s history. Herath criticized the previous government for neglecting its responsibilities, noting that despite initial efforts, claims for civil liability costs have yet to be submitted.

Sri Lanka is poised to receive USD 810,696.57 from the ship’s owner, covering beach cleaning and debris removal costs from July 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024. However, the larger civil liability claim remains unresolved. The then government, with assistance from the Attorney General’s Department, filed a lawsuit in Singapore. An Australian law firm and six international experts have also been appointed to assess claims related to environmental damage, economic losses, and restoration work.

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) reported an oil slick spanning 0.51 km² with a length of 4.3 km near the wreck site, but the complete environmental impact is still under investigation. MEPA remains uncertain about the Attorney General’s Department’s progress on the Singapore litigation.

Meanwhile, the ship’s insurer has provided an initial compensation of USD 7.85 million, yet MEPA awaits clarity on further legal actions in Singapore to secure full reparations for the disaster’s widespread damage.