News
Ranil submits motion calling for PSC to probe MV X-Press Pearl disaster
UNP Leader and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has submitted a motion for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the MV X-Press Pearl disaster.
The motion, included in the latest addendum to the Order Book of Parliament, identifies the MV X-Press Pearl incident as the worst marine ecological disaster in the country and says that a PSC should be appointed “to look into and report its recommendations on the damage caused to the Sri Lankan marine environment and marine life, persons whose livelihoods have been lost, and the impact on the national economy by the sinking of the MV X–Press Pearl ship on June 22, 2021 off the coast of Sri Lanka.”
The motion reads: “The sinking of MV X-Press Pearl, off the coast of Colombo on 22 June 2021 is Sri Lanka’s worst marine ecological disaster; and whereas, this disaster has destroyed marine and animal lives and caused a massive economic loss; This Parliament resolves that a Select Committee of Parliament be appointed to, (a) Quantify the economic damage caused as a result of the sinking of MV X-Press Pearl; (b) Estimate the number of persons whose livelihoods have been affected; (c) To recommend financial relief and other compensation to be awarded to the people so affected; and (d) The extent of (i) marine and animal lives and (ii) the undersea environment affected by this disaster. 2. (a) That the Chair and the Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Speaker; and (b) The Committee shall report to Parliament within six (6) months of its first sitting or such extended period that the Parliament may grant.
The PSC shall have the power to (a) fix its quorum; (b) summon in person to appear before it, to require in person to procure or record, to procure and receive such evidence, written or oral, as the Committee may think it is necessary for the fullest consideration of the matters referred to above; (c) obtain the services of Specialists and Experts in the relevant fields to assist the Committee; and (d) make interim reports from time to time and sit, notwithstanding any adjournment of Parliament, the motion by the UNP leader said.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on January 20.
The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic instrument of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement. The Prime Minister shared the panel with Mr. Kuban Omiraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and Mr. Meshari Alnahar – CEO Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a changing global environment particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery. She noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships and connects people.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, she highlighted the country’s strong tourism recovery despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of green and climate friendly tourism infrastructure and underlined that Sri Lanka welcomes long term investment in tourism. She pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 20 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian fishing boats and apprehended seven (07) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan, Jaffna.
The seized boats and Indian fishermen was to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 20 on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister attended a productive bilateral meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. During the discussion, both sides focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Mr. Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at the WEF Congress Centre. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing engagement and future collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
In addition, the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairman of Menzies Aviation, where opportunities for collaboration in aviation services and connectivity were explored.
The Prime Minister also participated in a high-level dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin, Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum engagements.
Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour, and the Deputy Minister of Finance were also present at these meetings.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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