Experts’ Committee with Australians to assess, prepare report on X-press Pearl damage – State Minister

A committee consisting of 40 experts has been appointed to assess and prepare a report on the damage caused by the X-press Pearl ship, Urban Development and Housing State Minister Arundika Fernando told Parliament yesterday (30).

Fernando made this observation in reply to the question raised by the Opposition Leader.

The State Minister said it was not possible to submit a complete environmental impact report because this ship has sunk in the Sri Lankan ocean.

In May 2021, the X-press Pearl ship caught fire in Sri Lankan waters, causing severe damage to the coastal ecosystem. As a side effect, the fishing industry on the western coast of the country was also seriously damaged. Fernando said the government continues to work with the Australian company that advises the Attorney General’s Department regarding this incident.Minister Fernando also said that a complete report has not been prepared in this regard and the preliminary report has been sent to Australian legal experts.