News

Ship fire: Anyone affected can claim compensation separately

Published

5 years ago

2021/06/15

By Ifham Nizam

Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC yesterday said that the government had decided to allow anyone or any institution affected by the X-Press Pearl vessel disaster to claim damages separately.

Addressing the media at his ministry in Colombo, the Justice Minister said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had instructed that permission be given to all sectors affected by the disaster that caused a massive destruction to the

marine biodiversity, surrounding environment, and a direct impact on major sectors, including fisheries and tourism, to seek compensation.

The President appointed a team comprising Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Justice Minister Ali Sabry and State Minister of Urban Development, Coast Conservation and Waste Disposal Dr. Nalaka Godahewa to handle the issue. The team would closely work with Attorney General Sanjaya Rajaratnam.

The Minister said that five committees had been appointed to deal with the major claims regarding the damage caused by the ship disaster.

The assistance of international experts would be sought in seeking compensation for the destruction caused, the Justice Minister added.

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News

PM returns to the island

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/23

Priyan

Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,

News

Navy divers restore sluice gate of Bomburuella Reservoir

Published

10 hours ago

2026/01/23

Priyan

The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.

Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.

Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.

News

PM holds High-Level meetings with EU, UNDP, and corporate leadership at World Economic Forum

Published

14 hours ago

2026/01/23

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.

The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.

In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.

These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]