Unrevealed truth behind the litigation process of MV X-Press Pearl

The Attorney General’s Department has concluded to file a case against the shipping company of MV X-Press Pearl before a commercial court in Singapore tomorrow (April 24). Two years ago, MV X-Press Pearl sank off the Western coast of Sri Lanka after being caught in a massive fire. Considering the massive environmental damage caused by the shipwreck, the Attorney General’s Department is to demand compensation from the shipping company.

 

The ship caught fire 16 kilometers off Colombo on May 20, 2021, while transporting 1,500 containers including 25 tonnes of nitric acid. The fire continued for nearly two weeks and resulted in a massive spillage of damaged containers microplastics, plastic pellets, chemicals and other harmful substances into the sea.

 

The committee of experts who had been appointed (by the Marine Environment Protection Authority) to assess the damage suggested that the estimated compensation would be USD 6.2 billion. As it was deemed a very costly move the decision to continue the legal proceedings in Singapore attracted criticism. But, the MEPA, explained that the Australian law firm, which is assisting the Attorney General’s Department with the civil suit to claim compensation, has advised that carrying out the litigation process in Singapore is favourable to the island nation.

 

However, according to the Justice Minister; Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, he has been tipped off on several occasions about a local official being bribed by the insurer of the X-Press Pearl and the local official has received a bribe of USD 250 million. The Inspector-General of Police and the DIG in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have been directed by the Minister to initiate an investigation to uncover the truth.