Another discussion on the impact from the MV-X Press Pearl fire and receiving compensation covering all areas related to the damage was held under the patronage of Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC, Minister of Ports and Shipping Rohitha Abeygunawardena, State Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa and Attorney General Sanjaya Rajaratnam, PC, at the Ministry of Justice yesterday.
Subsequent to the discussion, Justice Minister Ali Sabry addressing a media briefing said that they had discussed the compensation received so far and the rest of the compensation to be obtained.
He also said that in the compensation process, priority would be given to the fishing communities affected by the incident, adding that they are currently identifying the locations of the containers that sank.
He noted that the assistance of the Indian Navy would also be obtained for this purpose. However, he said that the process has been delayed as a result of the inclement weather.
As the compensation process is being carried out with international insurance companies, it has been decided to obtain the assistance of an international legal firm. He said that this legal firm would be chosen based on the recommendations of the Attorney General and with the approval of the Cabinet.
Out of the compensation due for the damage, Rs. 720 million has been received so far and based on the directions of the President, Rs. 420 million from that has been allocated for the compensation of the fisheries communities. He said that those affected by the incident could still submit their claims and upon evaluation of the extent to which they have been affected, the compensation claims would be paid.
Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Minister of State Kanchana Wijesekera, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Attorney General Sanjaya Rajaratnam, PC Chairperson of the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) Dharshani Lahandapura President’s Counsel and Mrs. Chandaka Jayasundara expressed their views during the discussion.
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