Supreme Court Demands CID Probe on X-Press Pearl Case Delay

Supreme Court Demands CID Probe on X-Press Pearl Case Delay

News Today: Supreme Court demands CID investigation into AG’s failure to file local legal action in the X-Press Pearl Case

In a powerful verdict, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate why the Attorney General (AG) failed to initiate legal action within Sri Lanka regarding the X-Press Pearl Case maritime disaster, instead choosing to file a case in Singapore.

The five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, ruled that this decision was unreasonable, irrational, and arbitrary, constituting a violation of fundamental rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. The Court instructed the CID to complete the investigation within three months.

The Court also criticized the AG for failing to prosecute the ship’s owners under Section 26(a) of the Marine Pollution Prevention Act, holding the AG liable for litigation costs, including legal and documentation expenses. These are to be paid to the petitioners and reimbursed from the newly established MV X-Press Pearl Compensation Commission, chaired by Retired Justice Gamini Amarasekera.

Applying the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle, the Court ordered Sea Consortium Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, X-Press Feeders, and affiliated parties to pay USD 1 billion in compensation for environmental and economic damage. The first installment is due by September 23, 2025, and the Supreme Court will review the case on September 25, 2025.

The ruling also found former State Minister Nalaka Godahewa responsible for failing to uphold statutory obligations and violating citizens’ rights. Former MEPA Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura was similarly found negligent.

The Bribery Commission has also been directed to investigate all individuals named in the 361-page judgment.

The petitioners, including the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ), Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Rev. Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda, and fishermen from Negombo and Chilaw, demanded compensation for irreversible damage caused by the disaster. The burning and sinking of MV X-Press Pearl in June 2021 caused the worst maritime disaster in Sri Lanka, triggering the largest plastic spill globally.

Beaches, ecosystems, and tourism sites were severely affected, with thick coatings of plastic pellets. The case has set a precedent for environmental justice, governmental accountability, and citizen protection.

Legal representation included Dr. Ravindranath Dabare, Chrishmal Warnasuriya, and Manohara De Silva PC for the petitioners, while Nerin Pulle PC, Madhawa Tennakoon DSG, and others appeared for the AG and respondents.