Int’l experts to assess damage caused by X-Press Pearl fire | Daily News

Int’l experts to assess damage caused by X-Press Pearl fire

UN assistance sought to select experts
Local committee will also evaluate damage
Claims to be made for damage caused
Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC, Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena, State Ministers Dr. Nalaka Godahewa and Kanchana Wijesekera at yesterday’s press conference held at the Justice Ministry. Picture by Sulochana Gamage
Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC, Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena, State Ministers Dr. Nalaka Godahewa and Kanchana Wijesekera at yesterday’s press conference held at the Justice Ministry. Picture by Sulochana Gamage

Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC said that three international experts are due in Colombo to help Sri Lanka make claims for the damage caused by the MV X-Press Pearl fire in Sri Lankan waters.

Minister Sabry was addressing reporters following a meeting held in his office on Monday morning with the officials connected to the ill-fated vessel. The Minister said the United Nations office in Colombo is helping his ministry to identify experts who could do a good job in assessing the financial losses incurred as a result of the tragedy.

The Minister said the meeting was summoned on the advice of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to contact all concerned parties to file legal action and claim damages from those who were instrumental for the damage caused by the fire. The minister explained that the fire in the vessel had caused a major impact on the country’s economy and has affected the marine environment, livelihoods of those depending on marine life and the area’s ecosystems.

He said the authorities have appointed a five-man Committee to evaluate the damages caused by the fire in various fields.

“The period under review is May 23 to June 3,” he said.

Taking note of the suffering of the affected people and the damage caused to marine life, Minister Sabry said that a special officer will be appointed to go into this sector and report on the damage caused and explore ways and means to rehabilitate the affected people and zones.

Meanwhile, the Captain of the fire-ravaged cargo vessel has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The Sri Lankan Navy rescued 25 members of the crew from the distressed vessel.

Two crew members who were injured during the evacuation were treated at a local hospital. 


Add new comment