SC orders AG to probe Express Pearl compensation delay

The directive was issued during a hearing on the fundamental rights petitions filed over the incident, where the court also ordered the Attorney General to submit evidence regarding possible legal remedies by January 26, 2026.

The case was taken up before a three-judge bench comprising Justices Shiran Gunaratne, Achala Wengappuli, and Priyantha Fernando, following a motion submitted by the local representative of Express Pearl, seeking to provide evidence on compensation payments.

During the proceedings, legal counsel for Express Feeders, a foreign company associated with the Express Pearl and named as a respondent in the case, informed the court of his intention to withdraw a previous statement. Subsequently, no legal representation appeared on behalf of the company for the remainder of the hearing.

Attorney Ravindranath Dabare, appearing for the petitioners, informed the court that the Supreme Court had previously ordered the foreign company to pay US$1 billion in compensation within one year for the environmental damages caused. He further stated that US$250 million of that amount was due by September 23, but no payment has been made to date.

Dabare argued that the company had committed contempt of court by failing to comply with the order, and urged the court to consider initiating contempt proceedings against the directors of the foreign company, even in the absence of a formal complaint.

Counsel Himali Kularatne, representing the fishing community, also submitted evidence to the court, stating that the respondent company had willfully failed to comply with the Supreme Court’s order and had thereby committed contempt.

Other lawyers appearing for the petitioners echoed these concerns and supported the call for legal action.

Meanwhile, President’s Counsel appearing on behalf of Sea Consortium Lanka, informed the court that his client had paid Rs. 300 million toward the compensation as ordered. However, he noted that this was the maximum amount the local company could afford, and it did not have the financial capacity to contribute further.

The case was postponed with further submissions expected on January 26, 2026.