X-Press Pearl disaster: SC fixes hearing of FR petition for 09 Nov

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Supreme Court yesterday (25) fixed the next date of calling of the fundamental rights violation petition filed by petitioners, Reverand Father Sarath Iddamalgoda, W. Gamini Fernando and W.A. Sarath Fernando over the ecological disaster caused to the coastal belt by the sinking of ‘X-Press Pearl’ ship off the Colombo Port. The next hearing will take place on Nov 09.

The petitioners have said that compensation should be granted to the fishing community, who lost their livelihoods due to the sea pollution.

Among the respondents are Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda, and 10 others.

The bench comprised Justice Preethi Padman Soorasena, Justice Yasantha Kodagoda and Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena.