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)