The main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has decided to initiate legal proceedings with regard to the X-Press Pearl ship disaster.
Opposition and SJB Leader MP Sajith Premadasa said his party has taken steps to sue the management of the vessel over the massive environmental catastrophe that occurred in Sri Lankan waters.
Addressing the Parliament yesterday (11), MP Premadasa said that letters of demand have already been sent out to the relevant parties.
Announcing the decision, MP Sajith Premadasa also tabled the relevant documents in Parliament.
In May 2021, the X-Press Pearl vessel which was transporting hazardous chemicals caught fire off the coast of Colombo, resulting in a number of its cargo toppling into the sea.
Various cargo, including chemicals, and plastic pellets washed ashore along the Western Province coastal belt at the time causing a massive environmental impact on the coastal line.
The carcasses of a number of marine life, including turtles, dolphins, and whales were also found washed ashore as a result of the environmental pollution caused by the vessel.
Sri Lankan authorities are currently in a legal tussle to obtain compensation for the damages caused as a result of the ship disaster. (NewsWire)