News

Master Divers Chairman urges govt. to act on advice of experts to obtain compensation

Published

3 years ago

2023/04/22

Thilina Walpola

X-Press Pearl disaster

By Chaminda Silva

Sri Lanka could have achieved better results if it had taken legal action against those who operated the X-Press Pearl container ship while its crew members were still in the country, Ariyaseela Wickramanayake, Founder Chairman of Master Divers told The Island on Thursday.

He said that there had been a long delay in securing compensation for the great environmental damage caused by the X-Press Pearl disaster in 2019. Wickramanayake said that his company had been involved in salvaging ships in Sri Lankan territorial waters for a long time.

He said that his company jad offered advice on steps that should be carried out to secure compensation, following the disaster. However, those in power had ignored the offer.

Wickramanayake said that there were several confusing and unclear factors regarding the insurance of the ship. Therefore, attempting to take legal action in Singapore might lead to a waste of money.

“The government must consult real experts. These are serious and complex legal matters. Things would have been so much easier if we had taken action earlier,” he said.

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Latest News

Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon

Published

34 mins ago

2026/04/13

Priyan

On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.

Latest News

PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/13

Priyan

The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.

The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.

The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).

Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.

Latest News

Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district

Published

1 day ago

2026/04/12

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 3.30 p.m. on 11 April 2026, valid for 12 April 2026

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED

Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note: In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.