SC will hear FR petitions pertaining to X-Press Pearl ship disaster on 01 Dec.

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Supreme Court will hear on 01 Dec. fundamental rights violation petitions filed in respect of the sinking of the X-Press Pearl Ship off the West Coast of Sri Lanka.

The petitioners include the Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, environmental scientist Ajantha Perera, and several other public interest litigants.

The petitions state the disaster polluted the sea water and deprived the fishers of their livelihood. Hence the compensation received from the owners of the ship must be distributed among the aggrieved persons.

Counsel Chrishmal Warnasuriya appeared for some of these petitioners.

Among the respondents are the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Marine Environment Protection Authority and the Attorney General.

Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle, President’s Counsel appeared for the Attorney General.

The Bench comprised Justice L. T. B. Dehideniya, Justice Preethi Padman Soorasena and Justice Mahinda Samayawardhana.