The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture, and Resource Sustainability has drawn attention to the utilization of compensation received for the damage caused by the X-Press Pearl ship, particularly regarding payments made to fishermen and coastal conservation efforts.
Accordingly, the Committee recommended that a detailed report be submitted regarding the total amount of compensation received thus far, the amount paid as compensation to fishermen, the amount spent on coastal protection, and the remaining balance of the compensation fund.
This matter was brought to attention during a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability held in Parliament on 21.08.2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Hector Appuhamy.
Officials present at the meeting revealed that Rs. 293 million still remains unused under the fisheries sector. The Committee expressed its displeasure over the fact that this amount has not yet been distributed among fishermen. Officials explained that the remaining funds are due to certain fishermen migrating overseas or the intended beneficiaries not presenting themselves to claim the compensation, and that these amounts would be disbursed in the future.
During the meeting, inquiries were also made into the progress of legal proceedings filed in both Singapore and Sri Lanka in relation to the damage caused by the ship. Attention was also drawn to the case filed against Sri Lanka by the ship’s owners in the UK.
The Committee noted a lack of coordination between the Ministry of Environment and other relevant parties, and emphasized the importance of collaborative discussions to resolve issues accurately. The Chair also highlighted that delays in seeking timely solutions were apparent in this matter. Furthermore, he assured that the Committee would provide its full support for any program aimed at recovering the full compensation owed for the damages caused by the vessel.
The meeting was attended by Hon. Members of Parliament Roshan Akmeemana, M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani, Susantha Kumara Navaratne, Sudath Balagalla, Attorney-at-law Bhagya Sri Herath, and Upul Kitsiri.
Officials representing the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ministry of Justice and National Integration, Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Central Environmental Authority, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) also participated in the committee session.
