ri Lanka’s legal initiative for securing compensation for its worst ever maritime disaster through litigation in Singapore is in limbo because of counter legal action challenging the process in the United Kingdom, Daily Mirror learns.
The X-Press Pearl incident is the worst maritime disaster to strike Sri Lanka. It has had a significant impact on Sri Lanka’s sensitive coastal environment, local communities and the economy.The event continued to unfold after a cargo ship carrying chemicals caught fire off the coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in the environmental disaster in May, 2021.
The previous government initiated legal action in Singapore seeking US $ 6.4 billion as compensation from the shipping company.However, the process is now held up since the defensive party has challenged the claim in another court of law in the United Kingdom.
Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi told Daily Mirror yesterday that the litigation process in Singapore is held up until the legal process is over in the United Kingdom.He said the current government, through the Justice Ministry, is taking initiatives to get the case expedited.After catching fire on May 20, 2021, the Singapore-flagged X-Press Pearl sank several days later.
In addition, there are legal actions in progress in Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court and Magistrate Court.
