News
Process of securing X-Press Pearl fire damage expedited
The Minister of Justice has instructed officials to expedite measures to take legal action and secure damages for the devastation caused by the MV -X Press Pearl fire. More than a year has passed since the vessel carrying a hazardous chemical cargo caught fire on 20 May 2021 while at anchorage 9.5 nm off the Colombo Port. The fire and ensuing chemical leak caused serious damage to Sri Lanka’s marine environment. It has been called the ‘single worst incident of plastic marine pollution in the world.’
Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe gave these instructions to the officials at a meeting held in the Ministry of Justice this week to discuss the legal measures taken to date, how compensation has been provided and how the relevant institutions will proceed in this regard. The special discussion was also attended by Attorney General Sanjay Rajarathnam, PC and relevant Government officials.
Rajarathnam presented legal action taken to date while Marine Environment Protection Authority Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura explained the matters included in the report prepared regarding the damage to the environment, the cleaning of the seashore and the removal of the waste material.
The Minister of Justice gave instructions to the officials to take the necessary steps without delay regarding the legal actions and obtaining the compensation. Wijeyadasa pointed out that the incident attracted the attention of the general public as well as various parties, and reminded the officials that these groups are keeping watch on the Government and its actions in this regard.
News
“Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” by Mahinda Siriwardana presented to the President
The book “Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” ,authored by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana, was officially launched this morning (08) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, with the participation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
The first copy of the publication was formally presented to President Disanayake by Mr. Siriwardana during the event.
It has been reported that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias ‘Pilleyan’ has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and senior officials of SriLankan Airlines was held this afternoon (April 8) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The discussions mainly focused on proposals to transform SriLankan Airlines into a more profitable state-owned enterprise. Special attention was also given to possible short-term and long-term solutions for the airline’s debt management.
The talks further explored new investment opportunities for the airline. The President instructed the officials to take all necessary steps to transform SriLankan Airlines into a profit-making entity.
Although the airline has recorded operational profits, due to past mismanagement and poor decision-making, it remains one of the leading loss-making state enterprises. The current government has decided to reverse the previous administration’s decision to privatize the airline. Instead, it plans to continue operating it as the national carrier while introducing a new management structure to ensure its profitability moving forward.
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, President’s Senior Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines Sarath Ganegoda along with several senior officials of SriLankan Airlines, were present at the meeting.
“Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” by Mahinda Siriwardana presented to the President
Former state minister arrested by CID
President meets with senior officials of SriLankan Airlines
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