News
Ecological disaster caused by MV X-Press Pearl takes its toll on marine life
By Ifham Nizam
The Department of Wildlife Conservation, and environmentalists yesterday expressed concern about the increasing deaths of marine species following the ecological disaster caused by the Singapore-flagged MV X-Press Pearl along the South Western coast.
The fire-ravaged partly sunken vessel released its hazardous chemical cargo into the vulnerable sea bed off the Colombo port.
A senior scientist expressed concern about the endangered Dugongs or sea cows.
Dugong is restricted to sea grass habitats.
Studies indicate that sea grass is disappearing at an alarming rate of 110 square kilo meters per year, largely, due to human activities, and increased acidic levels due to chemical spill from the stricken ship, would cause further problems.
More than 15 turtles, a couple of dolphin, a number of seabirds, and several fish species have been washed ashore dead following the fire that broke out aboard the vessel.
The Wildlife Conservation Department said it was conducting investigations to ascertain what had caused the deaths of the sea creatures.
Under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, all sea turtles and their shells, eggs etc., are fully protected. Therefore, their carcasses were sent to the Government Analyst to conduct further investigations, on a court order.
The turtles were found washed ashore at Uswetakeiyawa, Panadura, Unawatuna, Wellawatte, Moratuwa and Induruwa beaches. Two turtles found with injuries had been found on the Unawatuna beach, the Department said.
Most of the turtles found dead on the beaches off Panadura and Wellawatte had their carapaces broken. One dead turtle at the Unawatuna beach had suffered injury.
A senior marine scientist said, “We have recommend that when the Attorney General’s Department take up the issue of compensation.:
The Marine Environment Protection Authority said it had already sought compensation from the company that owns the ‘X-Press Pearl’ container carrier for the economic damages caused by its fire.
Chairperson of MEPA Attorney-at-Law Dharshani Lahandapura, on Sunday, said that compensation had been sought through the Attorney General.
Besides, compensation for the environmental damage caused by the fire is also expected to be sought from the company, she added.
About 40 containers that fell into the sea from the vessel and their toxic contents released into the environment have been removed so far, she said.
News
Karu argues against scrapping MPs’ pension as many less fortunate members entered Parliament after ’56
Former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing concerns over the proposed abolition of MPs’ pensions.The letter was sent in his capacity as Patron of the Former Parliamentarians’ Caucus.
In his letter, Jayasuriya noted that at the time of Sri Lanka’s independence, political participation was largely limited to an educated, affluent land-owning elite. However, he said a significant social transformation took place after 1956, enabling ordinary citizens to enter politics.
He warned that under current conditions, removing parliamentary pensions would effectively confine politics to the wealthy, business interests, individuals engaged in illicit income-generating activities, and well-funded political parties. Such a move, he said, would discourage honest social workers and individuals of modest means from entering public life.
Jayasuriya also pointed out that while a small number of former MPs, including himself, use their pensions for social and charitable purposes, the majority rely on the pension as a primary source of income.
He urged the President to give due consideration to the matter and take appropriate action, particularly as the government prepares to draft a new constitution.The Bill seeking to abolish pensions for Members of Parliament was presented to Parliament on 07 January by Minister of Justice and National Integration Dr. Harshana Nanayakkara.
Five suspects, including former Minister Johnston Fernando and his two sons, who were arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), were further remanded until 30 January by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
The former Minister’s , sons Johan Fernando and Jerome Kenneth Fernando, and two others, were arrested in connection with the alleged misuse of a Sathosa vehicle during Fernando’s tenure as Minister.
Investigations are currently underway into the alleged misuse of state property, including a lorry belonging to Lanka Sathosa, which reportedly caused a significant financial loss to the state.
In connection with the same incident, Indika Ratnamalala, who served as the Transport Manager of Sathosa during
Fernando’s tenure as Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade, was arrested on 04 January.
After being produced before the Wattala Magistrate’s Court, he was ordered to be remanded in custody until 09 January.The former Sathosa Transport Manager was remanded on charges of falsifying documents.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that indictments had been filed in the Colombo High Court against former Minister and NDF Badulla District MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake over a corruption allegation.
The Bribery Commission notified the court when the case, in this regard, was taken up yesterday before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.
At the hearing, the CIABOC notified the court that indictments had been presented before the Colombo High Court against the accused.
Accordingly, concluding the proceedings before the Magistrate’s Court, the Magistrate ordered MP Dassanayake to appear before the High Court once a notice was issued.
Karu argues against scrapping MPs’ pension as many less fortunate members entered Parliament after ’56
Johnston, two sons and two others further remanded over alleged misuse of vehicle
CIABOC indicts MP Chamara Sampath in HC on bribery allegation
High-level discussion held to enhance Sri Lanka Agricultural Productivity with Chinese assistance
Prasanna’s travel ban lifted temporarily under enhanced bail and restrictions on guarantors
US Embassy reminds Lankans of strict American visa restrictions
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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