News
SOC reviews use of X-Press Pearl compensation for fishermen and coastal conservation
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture, and Resource Sustainability is examining the utilisation of compensation received for the damage caused by the X-Press Pearl ship, particularly regarding payments made to fishermen and coastal conservation efforts, parliament said.
The Committee has called for a detailed report on the total amount of compensation received thus far, the amount paid as compensation to fishermen, the amount spent on coastal protection, and the remaining balance of the compensation fund.
This matter was brought to attention during a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability held in Parliament on 21.08.2025 under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament Hector Appuhamy.
Officials present at the meeting revealed that Rs. 293 million still remains unused under the fisheries sector. The Committee expressed its displeasure over the fact that this amount has not yet been distributed among fishermen. Officials explained that the remaining funds are due to certain fishermen migrating overseas or the intended beneficiaries not presenting themselves to claim the compensation, and that these amounts would be disbursed in the future.
During the meeting, inquiries were also made into the progress of legal proceedings filed in both Singapore and Sri Lanka in relation to the damage caused by the ship. Attention was also drawn to the case filed against Sri Lanka by the ship’s owners in the UK.
The Committee noted a lack of coordination between the Ministry of Environment and other relevant parties, and emphasised the importance of collaborative discussions to resolve issues accurately. The Chair also highlighted that delays in seeking timely solutions were apparent in this matter. Furthermore, he assured that the Committee would provide its full support for any program aimed at recovering the full compensation owed for the damages caused by the vessel.
The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament Roshan Akmeemana, M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani, Susantha Kumara Navaratne, Sudath Balagalla, Attorney-at-law Bhagya Sri Herath, and Upul Kitsiri.
Officials representing the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ministry of Justice and National Integration, Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Central Environmental Authority, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) also participated in the committee session.
The Indonesian Naval Ship, ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’, arrived at the port of Colombo today (22 Jan 26) on a scheduled port call for logistics replenishment and a goodwill mission.
In keeping with time-honored naval tradition the ship was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon arrival.
The 90.71m – long Sigma Corvette FS is commanded by Commander Annugerah Anurullah.
During the stay in Colombo, the crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city limits.
Further, this visit provides an avenue to enhance professional interaction and courtesy engagements among two navies.
The Royal Navy of Oman Ship ‘AL SEEB’ arrived at the Port of Colombo on a logistics replenishment visit today (22 Jan 26).
The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.
The 75m – long ship is commanded by Lieutenant Commander Hamad Bin Mohammed Aldarmaki. The port call will facilitate professional interaction and goodwill exchanges between the two navies.
During her stay in Colombo, crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city of Colombo.
News
Mechanism to be established involving university academics and experts for Education Reforms – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Government is taking steps to establish a comprehensive mechanism, supported by an appropriate legal framework, to bring together university academics, experts and all relevant parties in order to resolve issues arising during the implementation of education reforms.
The President made these remarks during a discussion with the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) held on Wednesday (21) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the discussion, FUTA members emphasized the challenges encountered while trying to implement educational reforms through a framework established by the National Institute of Education, in line with the current laws and regulations.
They further emphasized that while their association acknowledges the need for new education reforms, the urgency of such reforms is greater for students in rural schools than for those in urban schools.
The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations further stated that they appreciate the decision taken by the Government, under the leadership of the President, to address the issues arising from education reforms and affirmed their readiness to contribute to this process.
As a continuation of the previous discussion, proposals addressing the challenges faced by academics within the university system, along with possible solutions, were presented to the President. In response, the President emphasized that the Government would take all possible measures to safeguard the university system and strengthen education.
The discussion also covered proposed amendments to the Universities Act.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that, in the aftermath of the recent disaster, the Government has been effectively implementing a nationwide rebuilding programme, addressing economic stability, development and all critical sectors. The President also called upon university academics to actively support these reconstruction efforts.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilaka, as well as representatives of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations, including its President, Prof. P. R. Weerathunga, Vice President M. A. M. Sameem and Secretary Charudaththe Ilangasinghe.
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