Rs 420 mn distributed among 14,400 fishermen affected by X-press Pearl ship disaster

by Saman Indrajith

State Minister of Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish and Prawn Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, Multi-Day Fishing Activities and Fish Exports – Kanchana Wijesekera told Parliament yesterday that nearly Rs. 420 million had been paid to more than 14,400 fishermen as compensation for damages caused in the X-press Pearl ship disaster off Colombo Port.

Answering a question from Hambantota District SJB MP Dilip Wedarachchi, Minister Wijesekera said the amount was for five days only. The President has instructed to distribute most of the compensation among the affected fishermen. Out of the amount of Rs. 720 million received, Rs. 420 million has been paid as basic compensation to them. With that money, compensation has been paid to more than 14,400 fishermen between Gampaha and Kalutara coming under the sea area where fishing is prohibited. The balance will be deposited as and when we receive the funds.”