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X-Press Pearl disaster

Wijeydasa slams MEPA for not obeying Attorney General

12 May 2023 09:37 pm - 16     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Referring to Sri Lanka's worst-ever marine disaster associated with the Singapore-registered MV X-Press Pearl container vessel, Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) was not adhering to the instructions given by the Attorney General (AG).

Addressing a news briefing today (12), Dr. Rajapakshe said there had been dissent or different points of view between the MEPA and the AG about which the AG had raised serious concerns.

“This scenario could be one of the reasons why this case has been dragging on for so long without any productive results. Hence, I had to get involved in the matter in order to ensure the smooth coordination between the MEPA and the Attorney General,” he pointed out.

“The AG is the one who provides legal advice to the President. In that context, the MEPA cannot surpass the AG nor can it ignore his instructions. The MEPA is bound to obey the AG,” the Minister underscored.

Furthermore, he said the AG and MEPA are two crucial parties in this case that should work hand in hand to ensure justice is meted out to Sri Lanka.

“Thus, the MEPA should comply with the instruction forwarded by the AG,” he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)


  Comments - 16

  • Zaza Friday, 12 May 2023 10:39 PM

    Our man in the high seat as Minister of Justice is blowing hot and called. It was just a few weeks ago Our man divulged that a hefty sum of money has come to Sri Lanka and transferred to some London Bank on account of the damages caused by the shipwreck. What happened to the name that the bank accounts the Minister divulged? Blow Hot, Blow Cold – MyLanka is dying.

    Rajapakshe made claim found to be fake Saturday, 13 May 2023 12:18 AM

    Rajapakshe could not be trusted. He makes silly claims like the 250 million dollars to Chamara G, and then continues is misleading even when he is wrong. He was wrong about Aragalaya, he is wrong about why LG elections cannot be held, all making bout invalid excuses. How can he then possibly handle real case, and of course AG being under him is like the wagging tail of mad dog. MEPA if they had followed AG advice would probably always fail.

    Wijeydasa may next slam election commission for being independant too Saturday, 13 May 2023 12:51 AM

    Wijeydasa is a hopeless case. Some months ago it was that Election Commission was being unrealistic to follow laws and constitution to call election. Now this crazy statement. Anyone who follows government directives like tail of dog will only do more disservice to country. Wijeydasa should make public the so called advice or instruction the MEPA refuses to follow. Maybe like Chamara Gunasekara and the 250 million bribe it is another fabrication to mislead the gullible public.

    Ram Saturday, 13 May 2023 03:24 AM

    Case dragged on without a productive result and Minister had to coordinate is proof that AG was sleeping over it may be at the instigation of someone. If AG and MEPA must work together hand in glove then it is proof that MEPA has a voice on the matter. Minister's explanation is childish

    Adwani Saturday, 13 May 2023 04:34 AM

    Dragging MEPA will not save the AG Department from responsibility, it is the AG Department responsible to file for the claim. Damage done and estimates are 2 common points for the claim

    Sal Saturday, 13 May 2023 08:32 AM

    Why not punish the officials ? Strict laws need of the hour for all public higher officials so that they will comply any given task.

    gamini Saturday, 13 May 2023 09:07 AM

    While the AG has the legal expertise, it's MEPA that has the technical knowledge in this area and AG should also be listening to MEPA on technical matters

    neil Saturday, 13 May 2023 10:13 AM

    When some local incidents of public interest happen, President gives instructions to carry out impartial instructions or appoint a committee. But when this disaster happens which has an unmitigable impact on our country, then also in financial stress, why the hell the top executives of the government did not appoint a minister, or an entity to monitor, and coordinate the work among relevant agencies to get the maximum compensation. Is it due to a lack of vision in the county (maybe why after 75 years still developing) OR some fishy deals at the cost of the country??

    Turncoat Saturday, 13 May 2023 03:28 PM

    Getting ready to turn a new page.

    Buddhist Saturday, 13 May 2023 04:14 PM

    Deal Dasa cannot be trusted!

    dealdasa Saturday, 13 May 2023 04:48 PM

    RW and 225 must go home. Sri Lanka needs a complete New set of leaders.

    Parasites Saturday, 13 May 2023 04:57 PM

    God save Sri Lanka from DEALDASA and AG.

    ANNECUNT Saturday, 13 May 2023 06:01 PM

    We need our 6.5 billion just remenber you can fight between yourself. justice minister is also responsible so get the 6.5 billion

    Jothi Saturday, 13 May 2023 10:42 PM

    The whole system is inept or corrupt. What it should be.

    Sivalingam Sunday, 14 May 2023 07:14 AM

    Dealdasa Jarapaksa son appeared for Thilini Priyamali.

    Junius Bandupala Sunday, 14 May 2023 04:58 PM

    You are the number one lier and dishonest man in Sri Lanka! Other Rajapassas follow after you!!


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