Eyebrows raised over permission for `New Diamond’ to leave

Compensation negotiations still on

By Ifham Nizam

The Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) yesterday authorised the owners of the crude oil tanker, ‘MT New Diamond’; to tow the vessel out of Sri Lankan waters, although Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) opposed the move. At the time instructions were issued, the vessel was 66 nautical mile east of Batticaloa.

MEPA Chairman Dharshani Lahandapura has informed the MRCC stating that the Attorney General has clearly stated that his institution is in the process of negotiating through the AG’s Department, with the Owners/P & I Club and their lawyers to secure a guarantee for the environmental pollution, caused by oil that leaked from MT New Diamond while it was burning, a few weeks a ago.

However, well informed sources told The Island the vessel had been allowed to move while the Attorney General’s Department was conducting investigations and trying to obtain compensation.

The AG Department has asked for Rs. 440 million, apart from the Rs. 4 billion for environmental damages.

MEPA Chairman Dharshani Lahandapura has written to DG (Operations), MRCC, that approval would be granted to tow the ship away from Sri Lankan waters, as per the authority given to MEPA by the Marine Pollution Prevention Act No. 35 of 200, once the negotiation was completed.

The letter has been copied to AG, Secy to President, Secy to Ministry of Defense, Secy UDA, Commander SLN and DG, Merchant Shipping.