Even if Rs. 100 billion is paid, the environment's harm is irreversible.

The damage caused to the environment by the MV X-Press Pearl ship that caught fire in Sri Lankan waters, despite a compensation payment of Rs. 100 billion, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

He claimed that the government had given the ship fire the highest priority.


"The cause of the fire should be investigated, as well as those who allowed the ship to enter Sri Lankan waters. Action should also be taken to punish the individuals, regardless of their rank "he stated

"If the ship sinks, the government is focussing on preventing an oil spill, which would cause huge environmental harm," Minister Amaraweera added.

As a result, the President insisted that, in the judgment of experts, further action regarding the ship be prioritized, and that, in the event of an oil spill, it be avoided, according to the Minister.
In a short period of time, several ship burning incidents have occurred in Sri Lankan waterways. As a result, he said, the government is concentrating on securing the facilities and equipment that the country needs to prevent future shipwrecks.

He believes that it is critical to avert potential environmental damage and that all relevant parties should be held accountable. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)