Serious doubts over Express Pearl case: Dayasiri
23-Aug-2026.
Serious doubts have arisen regarding the case concerning the MV X-Press Pearl disaster, which caused a historic catastrophe to Sri Lanka’s marine resources and the livelihoods of tens of thousands of fishing families, Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara said.
He made these remarks while speaking at a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday, organised by the Joint Opposition.
He further said:
“The X-Press Pearl disaster, which occurred in Sri Lankan waters in May 2021, is considered the most severe marine environmental disaster in the country’s history. Large quantities of toxic chemicals and plastic particles entered the sea as a result of the incident, while the livelihoods of more than 19,000 fishing families were severely affected.
“A five-member judicial panel headed by former Chief Justice Murdu Fernando conducted an inquiry lasting four years and ruled that the owners and responsible parties of the vessel should be held accountable.
“Based on that ruling, the X-Press Pearl Compensation Commission was established to recover billions of dollars in compensation, with retired Justice Gamini Amarasekara appointed to head the process.
“However, affected parties were not informed about new petitions filed through the Attorney General’s Department beyond the judgments delivered by the court.
“Instead of obtaining compensation, mysterious moves have taken place to bring the legal proceedings to an end. At the same time, the London-based P&I Club and insurance companies have repeatedly sent letters to the President and other authorities of the country.
“When a case is being heard before court, attempts by such companies to communicate with the Government and seek to alter the course of the case amount to a direct challenge to judicial independence.
“Without the knowledge of any of the affected parties, petitions were filed in court through the Attorney General’s Department and attempts were made to bring the case to an end.
“Particularly at a time when the country is facing an economic crisis, the loss of billions of dollars in potential revenue due to wrong decisions by officials amounts to daylight robbery.
“Why was this case stopped? On whose instructions did the Attorney General file this petition? There have been no answers to these questions so far.
“Therefore, the Attorney General and the President must provide appropriate explanations on this matter. In addition, the intervention of the Catholic Church on behalf of the affected fishermen is also necessary,” he said.
