Evacuation of X-Press Pearl begins

• Justice Minister says Govt. managed well and acted responsibly regarding everything that resulted from fire break out on MV X-Press Pearl
• Further actions being taken to obtain all compensation required for the damage
• Says around 90% of the debris has already been removed without damaging the seabed and the environment

 

Evacuation of the MV-X Press Pearl which caught fire and sank in Sri Lankan waters began yesterday with the Government assuring the move posed no harm to the seabed or the environment.

The evacuation was observed by Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC, Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena, State Ministers Kanchana Wijesekera and Mohan Silva by visiting the spot where the ship caught fire and wrecked.

During the observation visit, the Justice Minister said that the evacuation of the ship will be carried out in several stages as soon as dispersed cargo from the ship due to the fire is removed.

Sabry said that all issues due to the fire on MV -X Press Pearl ship were resolved by the government with proper management and in a responsible way and about one billion rupees has been received as compensation while further steps are being taken to obtain other compensation.

The main task at the time of the fire in the ship was to minimize the damage caused by it and to ensure that it did not leak oil and harm the environment. The Minister said that the government took steps to manage that properly, after that cargo was removed from the ship and about 90% of it has already been done.

The Minister mentioned that he had visited the site and discussed with the relevant officials and the representatives of the companies that had committed to remove the ship on how to remove the ship from the sinking area in a manner that would not cause any harm to the environment.

Sabry stated that already working with an Australian law firm to seek legal advice on future compensation for the damage. He further stated that from the time the ship caught fire until now, all activities have been carried out in a team spirit by Ministries, Departments and experts in the field.

Ports and Shipping Ministry Secretary U.G.D. Jayalal, Maritime Environmental Protection Authority Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura, Merchant Shipping Secretariat Director Ajith Seneviratne, Harbor Master Capt. Nirmal Silva,  University of Sri Jayewardenepura’s Prof. Prashanthi Gunawardena, officials representing Ministry of Ports and Shipping, Ministry of Justice, Central Environmental Authority, Navy and other government agencies were present at the occasion.