X-Press Pearl: Initial claim for damages up to June 01 amounts to USD 40 mn

By Ifham Nizam

The Marine Environment Protection Authority of Sri Lanka (MEPA)’s initial claim from the owners of the Singapore flagged ship, MV X-Press Pearl for damages up to June 1 was USD 40 million , a top government official said.

The official told The Island that their initial observations had revealed they could go on claiming for three years.  “However, claims can go on for 20 years or more and they depend on further studies.”

The MEPA, supported by Sri Lanka’s tri-forces, has so far collected more than 1,000 tonnes of debris washed ashore from the vessel during the ongoing beach clean-up.

The clean-up operation stretches some 200 km of Sri Lanka’s North Western to South coastline.

The toxic debris including plastic nurdles had been stored securely in 44 containers,  in a hazardous waste facility, MEPA said.

MEPA,  Chairperson, Attorney-at-law Dharshani Lahandapura said that on the instructions of State Minister Urban Development, Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal, and Community Cleanliness Minister Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, a detailed three-stage approach which included an accelerated clean-up, environmentally responsible disposal and restoration, as well as claims and damages, was being formulated by the relevant government authorities.

MEPA is also working closely with the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) on the disposal of the plastic nurdles and debris.

“The implications from this disaster have been manifold. But at the same time, we need to ensure that the disposal of this waste is completed responsibly in an environmentally friendly manner. We may also collaborate with private companies to dispose of the waste ecologically and responsibly” said CEA Chairman S. Amarasinghe.

The ill-fated vessel’s cargo contained 81 containers of hazardous goods, including 25 metric tons of nitric acid — a key ingredient in the production of explosives, and touted as a possible factor for the fire on board.

“Most of the cargo seems to have been incinerated by fire,” claimed Andrew Leahy, spokesman for X-Press Feeders.

Meanwhile, a CID probe has revealed that the fire was due to sheer negligence.