News

X-Press Pearl Disaster : SL fishing communities face long-term impact

Published

2 months ago

February 6, 2025

editor

Senior Advocate Himali Kularatne informed the Supreme Court yesterday (5) that Sri Lankans will endure long-term consequences due to toxic chemicals released into the sea from the X-Press Pearl ship, which caught fire and sank in Sri Lankan waters.

She made this statement during the re-examination of several fundamental rights petitions challenging the environmental and economic damage caused by the disaster, particularly its impact on the marine ecosystem and fishing communities.

The petitions were heard before a five-member Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, and Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Shiran Gunaratne, Achala Waugappuli, and Mahinda Samayawardena.

Representing the fishing community, Kularatne emphasized that even government agencies acknowledge the devastation caused by the release of thousands of tons of toxic chemicals into the ocean.

Experts estimate the damage to marine life, seawater, and the environment could persist for 30 to 40 years.

Given this, she argued that compensation should not be limited to those currently engaged in fishing but should extend to future generations as well.

She further highlighted that the disaster impacted not only the western coastline but also the southern coast.

Kularatne urged the government to take this into account when determining compensation for affected communities.

(dailynews.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Decision to gazette 04 elephant corridors

Published

2 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

The government has decided to gazette elephant corridors.

Deputy Minister of Environment – Anton Jayakody has announced that 04 elephant corridors will be gazetted under the first phase, focusing on areas within the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts.

He further says that this decision aims to mitigate the ongoing human-elephant conflict in the region.

News

800 drunk drivers caught in 2 days

Published

2 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Police have filed cases against 800 persons driving under the influence of alcohol during the festive season.

Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga says that these drunk drivers were identified during special operations conducted on April 13 and 14.

He stated that with many people returning to Colombo after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holidays, traffic volumes are expected to rise.

Motorists are urged to drive responsibly and prioritize road safety.

News

Maithripala attends 2025 World Summit of the Universal Peace Federation (Pics)

Published

2 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Former President of Sri Lanka – Maithripala Sirisena recently attended the 2025 Universal Peace Federation (UPF) World Summit 2025 Seoul, South Korea which kicked off on April 10.
As the Asia-Pacific Regional Chair of the International Peace Summit Council of the World Peace Conference, Mr. Sirisena also addressed the inaugural session of the summit.

There, he emphasized the need to build a bi-cameral global organization that integrates religion and politics to maintain global political stability and peace, manage climate change, and manage conflicts.

The 2025 Global Summit was attended by former heads of state, current speakers, current members of parliament, and other diplomats, scholars, and professionals from about 40 countries.

Maithripala Sirisena, the Asia-Pacific Regional Chair of the International Peace Summit Council of the World Peace Conference.