News

MV X-Press ship: SL to claim damages in USD

Published

3 weeks ago

January 10, 2023

editor

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to obtain compensation from the insurance company that owns the MV X-Press Pearl ship that caused grave marine environment destruction in Sri Lanka due to the fire onboard, in US dollars.

Cabinet approval was granted as obtaining compensation in Sri Lankan currency could set a bad precedent, and therefore the Cabinet agreed to accept compensation in US dollars for all activities such as beach cleanups, waste management, environmental damage and other activities.

Accordingly, the Marine Environment Protection Authority will submit the insurance claim form to the insurance company of the MV X-Press Pearl ship in US dollars.

The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing said although the insurance company that owns the ship settled the first and second claims with the Treasury entirely in US dollars, the insurance company had requested the Attorney General through the MEPA to pay the third and fourth claim settlements in US dollars and rupees.

The MV X-Press Pearl, carrying goods under the flag of Singapore, reported a fire onboard on the 20th of May 2021 when in Sri Lanka waters and subsequently sank in Lankan waters.

(newsradio.lk)

News

No COVID-19 deaths yesterday

Published

5 hours ago

January 30, 2023

editor

No COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed yesterday (29) by the Director-General of Health Services.

Accordingly, the current COVID-19 death toll remains at 16,828.

News

Racecourse murder : Boyfriend further remanded

Published

6 hours ago

January 30, 2023

editor

The university student who was held in remand custody for allegedly murdering his girlfriend with a sharp weapon at Race Course grounds in Colombo has been remanded further.

Taking up the case today (30) Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis ordered him to be further remanded till February 13.

The magisterial inquest into the death was held today before Colombo Chief Magistrate and

A testimony of the deceased’s father was recorded before Chief Magistrate and further magisterial inquiry was fixed for February 13.

The suspect was not produced before Court by prison authorities since he is currently receiving treatment at the Mental Health Unit of prison hospital.

News

Constitutional Council approves several judicial appointments

Published

6 hours ago

January 30, 2023

editor

The Constitutional Council met today (30) in Parliament presided by Speaker and the Chairman of the Constitutional Council – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, MPs Sagara Kariyawasam, other council members Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, Dr. (Mrs) Dilkushi Anula Wijesundere, Dr. (Mrs) Dinesha Samararatne were present at the Council meeting held.

MP Kabir Hashim, had informed his inability to attend this meeting due to unavoidable circumstances.

The Constitutional Council considered the recommendation of the President to appoint K.P. Fernando, President of the Court of Appeal as a Judge of the Supreme Court, to the post which fell vacant with the retirement of L.T.B. Dehideniya, Judge of the Supreme Court. The Constitutional Council unanimously approved the above recommendation.

Further the Constitutional Council unanimously approved the nomination of N.B.P.D.S. Karunarathna, Judge of the Court of Appeal to be appointed as the President of the Court of Appeal, and the nomination of Mr M.A.R. Marikkar, High Court Judge to be appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeal to the resultant vacancies.

The Constitutional Council further decided to publish the advertisement on newspapers of 1st February 2023, calling for applications for the appointment as Members of the Commissions specified in Schedule to Article 41B of the Constitution. Draft format of the application would be published on the Official Parliament website. The deadline to submit applications is 15th February 2023.