Clearing debris of ill- fated tanker to complete within 120 days

The clearing of debris and burnt hull of the ill-fated MV Express Pearl tanker which had met with disaster is scheduled to be completed within 120 days.

The cabinet of ministers said that the scheduled program has already been put into action by now.

Further clarifications regarding the above have been tabled by the Justice Minister.

A supervisory committee comprising of representatives of relevant institutions has been appointed by the Commercial Naval Secretariat Director General in order to supervise the process and ensure that no oceanic pollution has occurred due to the process of removing debries.

On the other hand, the first instalment of compensation has been paid to all the fishermen affected by the disaster. The ban imposed on fishing applicable to the Kalutara district has been totally lifted. The restrictions/ban applicable to both Colombo and Gampaha districts will also be lifted once the process of clearing debris is completed. Some US$3.7 million has been credited to Sri Lanka as a share of rights claimed by the Fisheries and Oceanic Environment Protection Authority, and discussions are being held with P & I Company to recover the remaining rights. Oceanic laboratories have been directed to analyze the biological samples of oceanic life and other samples. Spark Helmore Company Limited of Australia is assisting with legal instructions with regard to the claims of environmental devastation.