The Supreme Court today ordered the owning and operating companies of the X-Press Pearl Vessel to pay US $ one billion as compensation for the environmental and economic damage it caused, after the ship sank off the Colombo Port in 2021.
The judgment was delivered by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court, presided over by Chief Justice Justice Murdu Fernando and consisting Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, Justice Shiran Gooneratne, Justice Achala Wengappuli and Justice Priyantha Fernando.
The incident was described as the worst marine disaster in the Indian ocean.
The judgment also held that the Fundamental Rights of citizens had been violated due to the failure of the state authorities to take timely action.
The judgment also ruled that there was negligence and inaction of state institutions. It als named former State Minister of Urban Development Nalaka Godahewa for failing in his duties to protect the public and environment.
Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte passed away today while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo, his family said. He was 57. Recently, he was admitted to hospital following an illness.
Among the top news stories reported today were the passing away of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, questioning of NPP Leader Wimal Weerawansa by the CID over the remarks he made about the Easter Sunday attack investigations and a protest march held in Borella calling an end to Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza.
Two persons reportedly involved in the murder of a resident in Peradeniya following a dispute over a chocolate worth 10 cents has been remanded by the Magistrate when Peradeniya Police produced them in court.
Hundreds of local and foreign tourists have been taken for a ride with Artificial intelligence (AI) generated images that the Nine Arch Bridge has been illuminated, encouraging night time visitors.
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