News

X-Press Pearl litigation process: Probe on bribing local official

Published

2 years ago

April 19, 2023

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Instructions have been given to launch an investigation into an incident of a local official being bribed in order to disrupt the litigation process to seek compensation from the insurers of the MV X-Press Pearl vessel, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said.

The X-Press Pearl vessel, which left the Hazira Port in India on May 20, 2021, caught fire near the Colombo Port on May 20.

There were 1,486 containers of nitric acid and other chemicals on board and many of them caught fire while many other containers sank.

It caused enormous damage to the coastal areas and ecosystems near Negombo.

Many parties questioned the government as to why the lawsuit has not yet been filed even though there is a possibility of obtaining a compensation of USD 6.2 billion from the shipping company.

According to experts, only 32 days are left to file a lawsuit.

Experts also questioned why the authorities decided to file a lawsuit in Singapore when they could have gained more advantage by starting the legal process in Sri Lanka.

Minister Rajapakshe said that he had received information that the insurance company of the ship had given a bribe of USD 250 million to an official in Sri Lanka to disrupt the process of seeking compensation from the insurers.

News

GoSL strongly rejects genocide claims & protests against monument in Canada

Published

8 hours ago

May 14, 2025

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Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath today (May 14) met with the Canadian High Commissioner in Colomno to formally object to Canada’s approval and inauguration of a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton, Ontario.

Minister Herath had reiterated the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong objections regarding the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval of constructing such a monument, which complicates and undermines the government’s efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.The MFA statement issued in this regard is as follows :

Media Release Eng-3 Download

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Harak Kata levels bribery allegations against Tiran & Deshabandu

Published

8 hours ago

May 14, 2025

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Notorious underworld figure – Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, alias Harak Kata, has claimed that he is being detained in Tangalle over his refusal to pay a Rs. 300 million bribe allegedly demanded by former Public Security Minister – Tiran Alles and suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.
He levelled the allegations before reporters today (May 14) while he was being escorted by police from the Colombo Court Complex following a court hearing.

“There are so many things to say… I will reveal them then,” he had said before being taken back into custody.

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Hayeshika granted bail (Update)

Published

8 hours ago

May 14, 2025

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Popular tuition teacher Hayeshika Fernando, widely known as ‘Teacher Amma,’ was granted bail by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (May 14) over allegedly assaulting a young man.

Her husband and the manager affiliated to her institute, who were previously arrested over the incident, have also been granted bail.

Hayeshika, who had been missing afterwards, had surrendered to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today.

(Previous News on 14^th May, 2025 at 3:33pm)

Tutor Hayeshika surrenders to court

Popular tutor – Hayeshika Fernando, who had been evading arrest, has surrendered to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.

President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, appearing on behalf of the accused, informed the court that his client had voluntarily surrendered.

Hayeshika’s husband and the manager of the institution she is affiliated with were recently arrested over the alleged assault of a young man.

However, Hayeshika had remained at large until her court appearance today. Three police teams were also appointed to arrest her.

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