The government has announced to begin a complete investigation into the 2021 X-Press Pearl ship disaster, which severely impacted Sri Lanka's environment, ocean, and fisheries community, according to Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Vijitha Herath.
Minister Herath said the new probe will assess environmental damage, ocean pollution, and alleged financial fraud related to the incident. The inquiry will review previous court cases and reports from Parliamentary Committees, one of which included Minister Herath.
The X-Press Pearl, carrying hazardous chemicals, caught fire off Colombo’s coast in May 2021, spilling cargo into the sea. The incident led to widespread pollution as plastic pellets and chemicals washed ashore, causing extensive environmental damage.
In May 2023, Sri Lanka’s Attorney General filed a claim in Singapore’s High Court involving six defendants. In August 2023, the previous government announced the ship’s owners agreed to pay Rs. 301 million in compensation for the environmental impact.
