Sri Lanka’s efforts to secure compensation for its worst maritime disaster through litigation in Singapore have hit a roadblock due to counter legal action in the United Kingdom, Daily Mirror reports.
The X-Press Pearl disaster, which occurred in May 2021, severely impacted Sri Lanka’s coastal environment, local communities, and economy after a cargo ship carrying chemicals caught fire and later sank.
The previous government had initiated a $6.4 billion compensation claim in Singapore against the shipping company. However, the legal process has stalled as the defending party challenges the claim in a UK court.
Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi stated that the Singapore case remains on hold until the UK proceedings conclude. He added that the Justice Ministry is working to expedite the process.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings are also ongoing in Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court and Magistrate Court regarding the incident.
