News

Sea Consortium Lanka probed X-Press Pearl incident

Published

4 years ago

2021/06/16

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probing Sri Lanka’s worst ever maritime ecological disaster has recorded the statements from three top management level employees of Sea Consortium Lanka, the local agent of the ill-fated X-Press Pearl, owned by X-Press Feeders.

They have been questioned on their failure to alert the relevant local authorities as regards the chemical leak on the vessel, in spite of being informed by Tyutkalo Vitaly, the Russian Captain of the vessel, well over a week before X-Press Pearl entered Sri Lankan waters. Investigations have revealed that the e-mails sent by the Russian, informing the local agent of the developments onboard the vessel, had been deleted.

Sea Consortium Lanka, a Board of Investment (BoI), registered venture is the Sri Lankan extension of X-Press Feeders. The Sea Consortium is part of the Setmil Group of Companies.

Police spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana, who is also the senior officer in charge of its Legal Division, told The Island that they were among 32 persons, including members of the crew, questioned by the CID.

DIG Rohana said that the questioning of Sea Consortium Lanka personnel was continuing. Police headquarters didn’t release names of those so far questioned by the CID.

Both Chairman of the SLPA, retired General Daya Ratnayake, and Director General of Merchant Shipping, Ajith Seneviratne, yesterday told The Island that they were aware of the ongoing police investigation into the alleged failure on the part of the local agent. Asked whether, in his capacity as DG, Merchant Shipping, Seneviratne had taken action in respect of the local agent, the top official said that they had not reached that stage. Seneviratne said that investigations were continuing.

DG, Merchant Shipping is the authority for issuing licences to local agents on the recommendation of ship owners.

DIG Rohana said that the Government Analyst’s Department had informed the CID that it needed the assistance of the manufacturer of the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) of the vessel to read its data.

According to information provided to the court by Deputy Solicitor General Madhava Tennakoon, emails from the captain to X-Press Feeders’ local agent Sea Consortium had been deleted by the latter.

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has moved the Supreme Court against the Sea Consortium Lanka as well as operators of the vessel, X-Press Feeders. CEJ and three others, including its Executive Director Withanage Don Hemantha Ranjith Sisira Kumara have, in a fundamental rights application filed in terms of Articles 17 and 126 of the Constitution, in respect of the X-Press Pearl affair, named X-Press Feeders and its local agent Sea Consortium Lanka as 11th and 12th respondents. They were among 13 respondents, including the Attorney General.

The Singapore-registered MV X-Press Pearl sank on June 2, 9.5 nautical miles North West of Colombo port, the day after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa directed that it be towed to deeper seas. Shipping sources told The Island that the vessel had gone down where it had been since May 19 after entering Sri Lankan waters.

International news agencies reported that ports in Qatar and India had declined to offload the leaking acid container loaded in Jebel Ali, Dubai.

Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena didn’t answer his mobile phone.

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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]

Published

8 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED

Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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Let us commit ourselves to move forward with dedication, trust, and resilience to achieve success and progress in the coming year – PM

Published

2 days ago

2025/04/14

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya in her message for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, called upon all Sri Lankans to commit themselves to move forward with dedication, trust, and resilience to achieve success and progress in the coming year.

The full text of the prime minister’s message

“Let us step into the New Year with renewed hope and a vision, as we continue to work together toward “a prosperous country and a beautiful life.”

I extend my heartfelt wishes to the Sinhala and Tamil people of Sri Lanka, who celebrate the New Year in unity and generosity.

This New Year dawns at a moment when a new change is essential in every aspect of our lives. This traditional festivity reminds us to bring about positive change that is deep rooted in our culture and values, and move forward together in unity.

In recent years, the economic crisis made even the thought of celebrating the New Year a painful experience for many. However, the courageous efforts of the people to break free from a cycle of corruption and fraud, has led the path for the emergence of a new beginning.

Thus, the 2025 New Year marks a significant turning point. It is a year where communities from the North, South, East, and West unite and continue to work together under democratic principles to build a better future. In the upcoming month of May, the people’s aspirations will once again bear fruit.

At this moment when a new chapter begins with the New Year, I urge every citizen to act with respect, peace, and compassion in community. Let us commit ourselves to move forward with dedication, trust, and resilience to achieve success and progress in the coming year.

To all Sri Lankans celebrating Sinhala and Tamil New Year, I wish the nation is blessed with the strength, unity, and new energy needed for meaningful transformation and a prosperous tomorrow.
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!”

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Let us collectively support the government’s vision for economic, social, and political transformations – President

Published

2 days ago

2025/04/14

Priyan

In his message for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called upon all Sri Lankans to collectively work towards a common purpose, supporting the government’s vision for economic, social and political transformation.

The full text of the President’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year message –

“As we celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year this year, a festival that symbolises the hope of both physical and spiritual renewal, our nation finds itself at a defining moment, achieving significant victories while resolutely striving towards the realisation of a better and more prosperous future.

It is with profound joy and gratitude that I reflect upon the efforts undertaken by the National People’s Power government over the past months to lift our nation from adversity and steer it towards economic, social and political advancement. The successes we have thus far achieved rightfully belong to the people of this country, whose steadfast trust, as expressed in the most recent Presidential and General Elections, has been the driving force behind this transformative journey.

As a responsible government, we possess the strength and determination to further deepen our commitment to the nation, even amidst formidable challenges. We are implementing well-considered plans to address the multifaceted challenges confronting our country, both in terms of national development and within the broader geopolitical landscape.

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions beautifully reflect the harmony between humanity and nature, bearing witness to the deep-rooted history of coexistence between our Sinhala and Tamil communities. While contemporary society may be burdened by various divisions, occasions such as the New Year provide a timely reminder of the enduring values of unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence. It is our solemn responsibility, particularly at this time of renewal, to nurture those values within ourselves and to foster a more compassionate and ethical society.

Moreover, the rituals associated with the sun’s transition are underpinned by the universal aspiration to create a renewed individual, one free from outdated thoughts and attitudes. The New Year, therefore, offers us an invaluable opportunity to embrace renewal in our own lives.

As we welcome this New Year, I call upon all of you to come together with renewed strength, unity and goodwill. Let us collectively work towards a common purpose, supporting the government’s vision for economic, social and political transformation and thereby ensuring enduring progress and prosperity for our country and all its people.

May this New Year bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, renewed hope and abundant prosperity in your journey towards ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”.
Warmest wishes for a Happy Sinhala and Tamil New Year! “