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Express Pearl compensation : No coordination among agencies

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The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Sustainable Development inquired about the progress made in providing compensation due to the Express Pearl disaster and further seeking the support of the expert committee appointed by Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) to assess the damages.

This was discussed when the committee met in Parliament recently under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament – Ajith Mannapperuma.

The MEPA officials said that although they had asked the Attorney General’s Department in a letter about the activities of the expert committee appointed by MEPA and its future needs, they had not received a proper reply. However, the officials said that they had received information from the Ministry of Justice that an international, independent expert committee would be appointed to continue the assessment of the damages. As a result, the MEPA expert committee has not made a firm decision on how to proceed further, the MEPA officials said. Also, they pointed out that it is a problem that their institution is not aware of the work being carried out in this regard by the Attorney General’s Department.

It was revealed in the committee that since the payments related to the research activities carried out by the expert committee appointed by MEPA have not been made, the Ministry has been informed to submit a cabinet paper to look into the ability to make payments.  It was also disclosed that no appointments have been made to the expert committee for the year 2023.

Prof. Ajith De Alwis, co-chairman of the expert committee appointed by MEPA, who participated in the committee, said that the relevant universities have been questioned regarding his educational qualifications. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has inquired about the appointment and the educational qualifications of two members appointed to the expert committee, the MEPA officials told the committee.

The attention of the committee was focused on the issues that have arisen due to the lack of good coordination between the Marine Environmental Protection Authority, the Ministry of Fisheries and the Attorney General’s Department. Due to this, it was revealed before the committee that several issues have arisen for the compensation of fishermen. Accordingly, the Committee Chair instructed that the Attorney General’s Department, the Ministry of Fisheries, the MEPA and the members of the expert committee appointed by MEPA jointly prepare a program and submit a related report to the Committee.

Also, since the disaster caused by this ship incident is the biggest destruction caused by microplastics in the world, the committee decided to seek the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for the research of the expert committee and to provide facilities for the same.

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PCB postpones PSL

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the postponement of the remaining eight matches of the HBL PSL X.

A statement from Pakistan Cricket Board says : 

The last 24 hours have seen a worsening of the situation on the LOC, increased incursion of 78 drones, and the firing of surface to surface missiles from India.

The decision to postpone has been taken pursuant to advice received from the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif who has kept in view the reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan.

The PCB and its players stand resolutely in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and our security personnel defending the nation.

The PCB recognizes the efforts and support of its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organizers in having ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament thus far, however; cricket while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause when the country is facing such callous opposition.

We, at the PCB, also have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home.

Yesterday, it was also announced that the IPL will also be suspended for a week.

Related News :

IPL suspended for a week over safety concerns

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Minister Nalinda elected President of Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Association

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Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament, the Department of Communications of Parliament said.

The revival meeting of the Friendship Association was held on May 08, 2025 in Parliament under the patronage of the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, the Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.

At the meeting, Member of Parliament Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana was elected as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association, the statement added.

During the meeting, representatives from both Sri Lanka and India highlighted the deep-rooted and enduring relationship between the two nations, spanning centuries. They emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation through exchange programs and sustained dialogue, according to the statement.

The Speaker expressed appreciation for India’s steadfast support during Sri Lanka’s most challenging times. He also highlighted the recent state visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India as a key milestone that has opened new avenues for bilateral collaboration. 

He also expressed his gratitude for organizing the upcoming Capacity Building Programme for newly elected Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka, to be conducted by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training of India later this month, it added.

Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, recalled the successful visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka and reaffirmed India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka across multiple sectors as a close and trusted neighbor.

In his speech, the newly elected President Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasized the vital role of the Friendship Association as a bridge between the two Parliaments and expressed confidence in fostering meaningful engagement to deepen the already strong ties between Sri Lanka and India, it said.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Friendship Association he Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to India for its enduring friendship and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to continued cooperation.

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Vesak week commences tomorrow

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The National Vesak Week will commence tomorrow (May 09), under this year’s theme of “Let’s associate with noble people with good qualities.”

According to the secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, W.P. Senadheera said that it will continue until May 16.

The official inauguration ceremony will take place tomorrow at the Nuwara Eliya Buddhist Center, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka Railways has announced special train services during the Vesak week and the long weekend.

Meanhwile, the Ministry of Public Administration has ordered the closure of slaughterhouses, meat vendors, casinos, and clubs nationwide from May 12 – 14 May for the state Vesak Festival. 

A circular issued on April 29 instructs all relevant businesses to comply during the period.

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