NPP calls for criminal investigation into deletion of e-mails

Charging that the government had failed to reveal the local shipping agent of the X-press Pearl vessel, National Peoples’ Power (NPP) MP Vijitha Herath yesterday called for an investigation into the deletion of e-mails by the Sri Lankan agent of the shipping Company, that are vital to the investigations.

MP Herath told Parliament that it was a criminal offence to withhold information pertaining to the disaster caused by the distressed vessel to the environment and the fishing community.

He said it was reported that one Arjuna Hettiarachchi of Setmil Group of companies as the local shipping agent and urged the government to disclose the true information.

“It is a serious offence that could be dealt under Penal Code to withhold information. If any information has been withheld by the shipping agent, what action would be taken against them,” he asked.(AJITH SIRIWARDANA AND YOHAN PERERA)