News

5 indicted over X-Press Pearl disaster

Published

1 year ago

November 25, 2022

editor

Indictments were filed in the presence of Colombo High Court Judge Damith Thotawatte against five accused including the Captain of the X-Press Pearl vessel, and the location agent on Friday (25).

The indictments come almost 18 months after the disaster took place.
X-Press Pearl was carrying 1,486 containers when it caught fire off Colombo on May 20, 2021, and sank off the coast of Colombo several days later.

The Attorney General had filed the case against eight people, including the five accused, indicting them under eight counts for committing offenses under the Marine Pollution Prevention (MPP) Act No 59 of 1981.

The Colombo High Court Judge ordered for notice to be sent to the three accused who did not appear in court on Friday (25) to appear on the 12th of December 2022.

The five accused who were present in court on Friday (25) were barred from travelling overseas, and they were released on a personal bail of Rs. 1 Million each.

(newsfirst.lk)

News

G.L. hints at Impeachment against President

Published

2 hours ago

December 11, 2023

editor

MP of the Freedom People’s Congress – Prof. G.L. Peiris has warned of a possible impeachment motion against President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Speaking at a media briefing today (Dec. 11) Prof. Peiris has said that an impeachment can be brought forth on the grounds of the constitution being violated by the President’s arbitrary interference in the affairs of the Constitutional Council.He also emphasized that the opposition will stand united against the President’s dictatorial rule.

Pointing out that 2024 is a year of elections with the Presidential election and General Election already announced, Prof. Peiris emphasised that it is of utmost importance that the Constitutional Council is allowed to function independently during elections.

He also said that there is a reasonable doubt that the vacancy at the Election Commission is not being filled with the objective of scrapping future elections.The MP also said that there is a possibility of Sri Lanka losing the GSP+ concession due to the violation of international conventions.

He further noted that the international community has already given Sri Lanka a red light due to the implementation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and has notified that democracy should be secured during the election period.