MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN
COLOMBO- Minister of Justice Ali Sabry told newsmen here on Monday that those who were affected by the recent fire in MV X-Press Pearl, will be given an opportunity to tell the financial losses incurred due to the tragedy and suitable compensation will be arranged to redress their grievances.
Sabry was addressing the reporters following a meeting held in his office on Monday morning with the officers connected to the ravaged vessel.
Taking note of the sufferings of those who are affected by marine disaster, Sabry said that a special officer will be appointed to go into this sector and report on the damages caused and explore ways and means to rehabilitate them.
The minister said publicity will be given in all media channels for the affected people to make their representations.
He also said three foreign experts are due in Colombo to help Sri Lanka makes claims for the damages caused by the recent blaze in MV X-Press Pearl in the Sri Lankan waters.
The minister said the United Nations local office in Colombo is helping his ministry to pick the experts who could assess the financial losses incurred in the tragedy.
The minister said the meeting was summoned on the advice of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to contact all concerned parties to file legal action and claim damages from those who were instrumental to the damages caused by the fire.
The minister explained that the fire in the vessel had caused a major impact on the country’s economy and has affected the marine environment, livelihood of those depending on marine life and the ecosystems.
He said the authorities have appointed five committees to evaluate the damages caused by the fire in various fields. The period under review is May 23 to June 3, he said.
The press briefing was attended by Ports Development Minister Rohitha Abeygunwardena, State Minister for Urban Development, Nalaka Godahewa and Kanchana Wijesekera , State Minister for Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish and Prawn Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, Multiday Fishing Activities. Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam also took part in the meeting.