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MV X-Press Pearl disaster: Four options on the table for compensation

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By Ifham Nizam

The Sri Lankan government can opt for at least four compensation claims from the fire-stricken, Singapore flagged MV X-Press Pearl’s owners/insurance agents, a senior government official said.

“Though some of the claims could take time due to technical issues, we have a strong case when it comes to damage caused to marine biodiversity, which can be considered the biggest environmental catastrophe”, she said.

Citing the example of a similar disaster, the scientist said a claim for damages filed by the United Kingdom against a US-based ship dragged on for more than two decades.

Moves are underway to incorporate losses to the country’s fish production due to the fire, where chemicals mixing with the biodiversity hotspots within the sea bed have a detrimental impact on the fish harvest, she told The Sunday Island.

She also didn’t rule out the possibility of Sri Lanka being used as a dumping ground for chemical waste. “Some competitors don’t want to see Sri Lanka doing well in the shipping sector”.

She said the damage caused to the fisheries industry will be enormous particularly with small fish species where the adverse impact could be seen within two to three years.

The Wildlife Conservation Department said that apart from fish species, the harm done to sea grasses and nesting habitats, sea mammals and reptiles will also be substantial. “Our initial observations reveal the spill-over effect will last for more than 100 years”.

The operator of Ex-Press Pearl said the ship’s stern was resting on the seabed about 21 meters below the surface and the bow was settling down slowly. Salvage experts are monitoring the vessel’s condition and oil pollution.

The company said its experts were coordinating with the Sri Lanka Navy to deal with an oil spill.

Navy spokesman, Captain Indika de Silva said the navy and coastguard were bracing for an oil spill. India has sent three ships to help, including one specifically equipped to deal with marine pollution.

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) is contemplating filing a public interest litigation petition against the company that owns X-Press Pearl, Chairman, Ravindranath Dabare said.

“According to the Marine Pollution Prevention Act No. 35 of 2008, a civil suit can be filed under Section 35 and criminal action could be filed as per Section 26. We had a bitter experience with MT New Diamond as we claimed compensation based on the Polluter Pays Principle, the lawyer said.

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) said it is prepared to face a possible oil spill from the stricken container ship off the coast of Sri Lanka.

Oil Containment Booms will be positioned around the vessel with chemical dispersants dropped from the air to prevent an oil leak from spreading, MEPA chief, Darshani Lahandapura, said.

“If the weather is not on our side, we will have to be ready for a beach clean-up and we need to be ready for it”, she said.

General (Retd) R. M. Daya Ratnayake, Chairman, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, told journalists the first point of action is to determine if the fuel in the vessel remains onboard. Thereafter, necessary measures will be taken.

With the immediate focus on minimizing any further damage to the environment, Oil Spill Response Limited has been tasked with tackling any possible spill in liaison with the International Tanker Owners’ Pollution Federation Ltd (ITOPF), which will provide technical expertise.

Both OSRL and ITOPF have people on the ground in Colombo coordinating with the Sri Lankan Navy on an established plan to deal with any possible oil spill and other pollutants.

Renowned Environmentalist, Suranjan Kodituwakku warned that the transfer of ownership of X-Press Pearl after the fire was brought under control could result in Sri Lanka not being able to obtain a proper assessment of the environmental damage or compensation.

“We hope the government will intervene, as required, given its experience, to obtain equitable restitution and compensation for the huge environmental damage,” Kodituwakku, who is also Chairman/CEO of the Green Movement of Sri Lanka Inc., said.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that even if Sri Lanka receives Rs. 100 billion as compensation for the environmental damage caused, it won’t be sufficient to offset the enormous loss suffered as a result of the disaster,.

The government has focused attention on the extensive environmental destruction caused by the blaze and many decisions on handling the situation taken at a meeting chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, he said.

“An investigation should be launched into the cause of the fire and those responsible for allowing the container-carrier to enter the territorial waters of Sri Lanka dealt with under the law”, he told a news conference at the Environment Ministry.

The damage caused is beyond calculation. Therefore, however much compensation we may receive, it won’t be enough, he noted.

The President emphasized that priority should be given to the opinion of experts in mitigating the situation, the Minister said.

Andrew Leahy, Director for South East Asia of MTI Pte Ltd representing the operators of the vessel, told the media that water was filling inside the hull of the X-PRESS PEARL and salvors from the Netherlands are assessing the situation.

State Minister of Fisheries Kanchana Wijesekera said the Department of Fisheries has suspended vessels entering from the Negombo Lagoon and fishing from Panadura to Negombo with immediate effect as the salvage company involved in the vessel has indicated that the vessel was sinking at the current position.



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It is crucial to uphold respect for the diverse cultural traditions across the world as we strive to build a global community founded on sustainable values- President

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake addressing the World Governments Summit 2025 in UAE on 12th February 2025 said that it was, crucial to uphold respect for the diverse cultural traditions across the world as we strive to build a global community founded on sustainable values.

Full text of the President’s speech:

“Esteemed state leaders, distinguished delegates representing various organisations, honoured guests, members of the media and all those present, I seek your permission to address this extraordinary summit.

It is a great privilege to speak at this significant gathering, held at a crucial juncture in human history, at a time when the world calls for unprecedented global cooperation.

My country is a beautiful island nation with a unique history, a present filled with optimistic dreams for the future and a citizenry that possesses broad political and social awareness. The people of my country have a deep sense of empathy for events occurring anywhere in the world. While they cherish their traditions, they also demonstrate the wisdom and openness necessary to embrace change when required.

Moreover, if you were to search the internet at this very moment with your mobile phone and ask, “Which country has the highest number of eye donations in the world?” the answer would be the nation I represent, located at the edge of the Indian subcontinent: ‘Sri Lanka’.

It is a great honour and privilege for me to represent a nation of such altruistic and warm-hearted citizens, I take immense pride in addressing you on their behalf.

I believe that this summit, which focuses on developing future strategies and policies concerning critical aspects of human progress, will contribute positively to global well-being at some point.

Today, the challenges we face at national, regional and global levels are vast and complex.

Some choose to ignore these issues, embarking on self-cantered journeys. However, isolated problems of today soon evolve into global concerns of tomorrow, knocking on everyone’s doors ultimately bringing an end to solitary pursuits.

Therefore, I reiterate the importance of uniting as global citizens to confront cross-border challenges together. Addressing these crises requires collective global action and a unified front.

Effective Governance and Accountability
Enhancing governance accountability and efficiency is essential for the future world. Citizens must be encouraged to transition from individual efforts to collective initiatives.

The structure of state institutions and bureaucratic systems must prioritize accountability and responsibility, as these are crucial for the future of governance.

Social justice and the rule of law are not only vital for a regulated state but also for a well-functioning professional world. Proper implementation of agreements and laws, systematic support for low-income and vulnerable communities and ensuring accountability through an independent media and social activism are all of paramount importance.

The emergence of digital access rights, environmental rights and other new rights—along with evolving political systems—highlights the need for an updated universal declaration on human rights, which was not envisioned in the 1948 declaration. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness and proactive engagement in addressing these pressing issues.

As we strive to build a global community founded on sustainable values, it is crucial to uphold respect for the diverse cultural traditions across the world.

Financing the Future and the Global Economy
Nearly 60% of the poorest countries are either in a debt crisis or at high risk of one, raising serious concerns about the future of the global economy. With tightening global financial conditions, the prospect of massive debt repayments and a poorly prepared international financial structure, the global economic outlook appears increasingly precarious. Transforming into a fair and equitable financial system is of critical importance.

Climate, Crisis Mitigation and Resilient Cities
The world is heading toward the devastating consequences of uncontrolled industrial growth, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, and severe corruption. These issues are more frightening than a catastrophic celestial event that could impact Earth in a matter of years. While many developed countries have historically contributed to three-quarters of carbon dioxide emissions, their exposure to the impacts of climate change remains relatively low. Despite significant advancements in development, many naturally beautiful low-income countries are being ravaged by the harmful actions of others. These countries and islands, once known for their pristine coastlines, are now plagued by these disasters. If you ever visit our country, you will be astonished by the breath-taking coastal areas surrounding us. We are committed to making enormous efforts to protect our coastlines and preserve their beauty.

Human-Cantered Future and Sustainable Growth
The digital revolution has already transformed the way people live, work, and communicates. While these technologies have the potential to help billions of people lead happier, healthier, and more productive lives, they also create new challenges for citizens and governments around the world. It is important not to forget that the very technologies that empower individuals can also present significant risks. Take a computer virus, for example—though it doesn’t attack with a bullet or a nuclear bomb, it can wreak havoc in ways that are far more dangerous than traditional warfare, as evidenced by the increasing threat of cyber-attacks in recent years.

Global Health Transformation
Over the next two decades, population growth, urbanization, and the rise of antimicrobial resistance will likely contribute to the continuation and expansion of several health challenges.

As humans, we are inevitably interconnected. For over a year, a virus caused much of the global population to conceal their faces behind masks, creating significant pressure in both wealthy and impoverished nations.

In 2024, the world saw an increase or resurgence of several infectious diseases. Among non-communicable diseases, cancer has had an extraordinary impact on people’s lives. At this moment, millions of cancer patients are fighting for survival. Heart disease, regardless of national borders, continues to devastate lives, and it has become a major global crisis. Health experts predict that by 2030, the economic cost of mental health disorders worldwide could exceed $16 trillion.

The climate crisis is expected to result in an additional 14.5 million deaths by 2050, according to predictions.

In this context, it is crucial to focus on digital health, new technologies, and modern health tools, as well as the relationship between environmental health, sustainability, and health financial cooperation for economically vulnerable countries.

At times, you may represent the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, or the West. However, the problems we all face and the call for unity, as expressed through the “lub dub” sound in our hearts, urge us to build the world together.

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We must learn to live together as brothers.” If we don’t, he also foresaw the consequences.

We have united with a purpose to provide our people with “a thriving nation, a beautiful life,” a goal that has been historically endorsed.

At this historic summit, I urge you to join us in building a beautiful life and a beautiful world.”

[PMD]

 

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Oracle Corporation pledges support for Sri Lanka’s digitalization

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake met with the Executive Vice Chairman of Oracle Corporation Mike Sicilia during the World Governments Summit held in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday (11).

The discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, the adoption of fintech services, and cloud infrastructure to enhance economic and governance efficiency.

Oracle expressed its willingness to support Sri Lanka’s digitalization by providing Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). President Disanayake invited Oracle to establish a sovereign Oracle Cloud region in Sri Lanka to host government applications, e-governance facilities, and a national data system while ensuring data sovereignty and regulatory compliance.

The President and Oracle’s Executive Vice Chairman also discussed laying the foundation for fintech and digital payment solutions to accelerate Sri Lanka’s transition to a cashless economy. As part of this initiative, President Disanayake invited Oracle to establish a Digital Transformation Hub in Colombo Port City, which would function as South Asia’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cloud Hub. He also requested Mr. Mike Sicilia to send a team to Sri Lanka to facilitate this initiative.

Recognizing Oracle’s regional vision for digital transformation and innovation, the Executive Vice Chairman expressed keen interest in establishing Oracle’s South Asian AI and Cloud Hub in Colombo Port City. He highlighted that this move would strategically position Sri Lanka as a regional leader in AI-driven cloud solutions, fostering public-private partnerships and attracting cutting-edge technology investments.

During the discussion, President Disanayake reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to leveraging new technologies for governance efficiency, economic growth, and global competitiveness. He extended an invitation to Oracle to play a key role in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with the Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusoof, also participated in the discussions.

[PMD]

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Group led by Karu seeks to resurrect Yahapalana constitutional proposals  

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By Shamindra Ferdinando

Chairman of the Public Representations Committee on Constitutional Reforms (PRCCR) Lal Wijenayake yesterday (12) said that former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, in his current capacity as the Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ), intended to initiate a dialogue with the National People’s Power (NPP) government to explore the possibility of advancing the constitutional proposals unveiled during the Yahapalana administration.

The Cabinet, headed by President Maithripala Sirisena, appointed the PRCCR on 22 Dec., 2015.

Attorney-at-law Wijenayake said that they recently discussed the constitutional proposals that were available for the NPP government’s consideration. “Having met at Jayasuriya’s residence, we reached consensus that the former Speaker should write to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in this regard,” Wijenayake told The Island.

Noting that President Dissanayake serves as the leader of both the Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna (JVP) and the NPP, Wijenayake emphasized that Premier Dr. Harini Amarasuriya had been a member of the PRCCR. Therefore, the NPP government could comfortably handle the constitutional proposals prepared following a countrywide public consultations at the onset of Yahapalana administration (2015-2019), the civil society activist said.

Wijenayake explained the current status of their efforts in response to The Island queries. According to him, the NMSJ Chief has called another meeting later this month to pursue the matter. Pointing out that some felt that the government should entirely focus on post-Aragalaya economic recovery process, the new administration couldn’t afford to keep the constitutional solution on the backburner, Wijenayake said.

The Public Representations Committee consisted of S. Winston Pathiraja (Secretary), Faisz Musthapha, Prof. A. M. Navaratna Bandara, Prof. M. L. A. Cader,  N. Selvakkumaran, S. Thavarajah, Kushan D’Alwis, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Dr. Kumudu Kusum Kumara, Sunil Jayaratne, Dr. Upul Abeyratne, Themiya L. B. Hurulle, S. Vijesandiran, M.Y.M. Faiz, Mrs. M. K. Nadeeka Damayanthi, Ms. Kanthie Ranasinghe, S. C. C. Elankovan, and Sirimasiri Hapuarachchi.

The Wijenayake-led PRC handed over a report that contained the entire set of proposals to Yahapalana Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe on 31 May, 2016.

 Karu Jayasuriya served as the Speaker of the Yahapalana government and was a key supporter of that constitutional process that received the backing of the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council.

Wijenayake said that in the wake of the November 2019 presidential election, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed a nine-member committee, headed by Romesh de Silva, PC, to formulate a new draft Constitution. That effort was discarded after Aragalaya forced Gotabaya Rajapaksa out of office, Wijenayake said, urging all political parties represented in Parliament to examine their proposals with an open mind. “Let us stop playing politics with the constitution making process. We should be genuinely interested in formulating a Constitution that would meet the aspirations of all communities,” Wijenayake said.

Wijenayake, who is a member of the NPP’s Executive Committee, said that during the presidential and parliamentary election campaigns references were made to the PRCCR’s proposals.

Responding to another query, Wijenayake emphasized that in spite of the successful conclusion of the conflict the country couldn’t achieve true national reconciliation for want of a new Constitution that was acceptable to the people.

Former SLPP National List MP Gevindu Cumaratunga accused Jayasuriya of promoting Yahapalana constitutional proposals that had been roundly rejected by the people at the presidential and parliamentary polls in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Cumaratunga emphasized that the proposed new Constitution should reflect the actual situation on the ground or post-2009 position. Asked to explain, the former parliamentarian said that the government shouldn’t, under any circumstances, promote a federal agenda in the guise of enacting a new Constitution.

Wijenayake noted that at the time the PRCCR formulated those constitutional proposals those who now represented the main Opposition SJB were members of the UNP. In the Yahapalana Parliament the JVP had only six MPs though the Marxist party-led NPP consisted of 159 MPs in the current Parliament.

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