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

Gunmen open fire near Gampaha bus stand in brazen attack

Published

60 minutes ago

April 16, 2025

editor

A shooting incident was reported near the public bus stand in Gampaha town last night, police said.

According to reports, two individuals on a motorcycle opened fire at a moving small lorry before fleeing the scene. The two occupants of the lorry exited the vehicle and ran into a nearby shop for safety.

Fortunately, they were not injured in the incident. The motive behind the shooting has yet to be determined.

Gampaha Police are conducting further investigations to identify and arrest the suspects.

News

State oil anointing ceremony takes place today

Published

1 hour ago

April 16, 2025

editor

The annual State oil anointing ceremony, held in conjunction with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, is scheduled to take place today (April 16) at 9:04 a.m. at the Sri Maha Natha Devalaya premises, located within the Sri Dalada Maligawa Square in Kandy.

The anointing of oil will take place at 09.04 am on April 16 while donned in green attire facing Southwards, with Kohomba leaves above the head and ‘Kolon’ leaves at the feet, as per the traditional almanac.

News

Thundershowers expected in several areas today

Published

2 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

The Department of Meteorology states that showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-western, Uva, and North-central provinces during the afternoon or night today (April 16).

A few showers may also occur in the Western Province and in the Galle, Matara, Puttalam, and Mannar districts in the morning, according to the Dep. of Meteorology.

Fairly heavy falls of over 50 mm are likely in some areas of the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Uva provinces.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa district during the morning.