Colombo Additional Magistrate Oshadha Migara Maharachchi yesterday (14 Jan) issued a foreign travel ban on seven representatives of a local shipping company linked to the X-press Pearl vessel that caught fire off Sri Lanka’s coast.
The order was made during a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry presented to the court, concerning allegations that the ship’s email system had been deleted and the Harbour Master had been misled into granting entry clearance to the vessel despite claims of no risk.
Deputy Solicitor General Madhava Tennakoon, appearing for the Attorney General, told the court that the investigation is largely complete and discussions are ongoing regarding future legal action.
Accordingly, the Deputy Solicitor General requested the court to impose a foreign travel ban on the suspects.
Granting the request, the Magistrate prohibited the suspects from leaving the country and directed the CID to submit an update on the investigation to the court on April 23. (Newswire)