Attorney General Dappula De Livera informed the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) that negotiations on the claims regarding marine pollution caused by fire-stricken crude oil tanker ‘MT New Diamond’ are pending and other claims have not been settled.
Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne told the news media that MEPA Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura also informed the Attorney General in writing that they are negotiating through Attorney General’s Department with the owners and their lawyers of the ‘MT New Diamond’ vessel to secure a guarantee for the environmental pollution resulted due to the oil spill from the vessel.
MEPA Chairperson Lahandapura highlighted that MEPA will grant approval to tow the ship from Sri Lankan waters as per the authority given to the MEPA by the Marine Pollution Act No.35 of 2008, once negotiation is complete.
