Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has delivered a landmark verdict in the MV X-Press Pearl marine disaster case, holding both government authorities and the vessel’s operators accountable for the worst maritime environmental catastrophe in the island’s history.
- X-Press Pearl Verdict: 7 Key Court Rulings
1. USD 1 billion compensation ordered
The Supreme Court directed the owning and operating companies of the MV X-Press Pearl vessel to pay USD 1 billion as compensation for the massive environmental and economic damage caused by the 2021 maritime disaster.
2. Worst marine disaster in the Indian Ocean
The Court acknowledged the incident as the worst marine chemical catastrophe in recorded history for the Indian Ocean, noting that over 70 billion plastic nurdles and toxic substances polluted Sri Lanka’s waters and coasts.
3. Violation of fundamental rights
The Court ruled that the failure of state authorities to act effectively and timely infringed upon the fundamental rights of citizens under Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution, including the right to engage in lawful occupation (fishing).
4. State negligence and inaction
The judgment pointed to gross negligence and inaction by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), the Harbour Master, and other key state officials. It specifically named then State Minister of Urban Development Nalaka Godahewa among those who failed in their duties to protect the public and the environment.
5. Polluter pays principle upheld
The Court upheld the “polluter pays” principle, holding the vessel’s owners, charterers, and agents liable for compensating both the environmental degradation and socio-economic losses caused by their negligence.
6. Commission to oversee compensation
A high-level commission will be appointed to oversee how the US$1 billion is distributed, with specific focus on affected fishing communities and restoration of marine ecosystems.
7. Call for legal and institutional reforms
The Court recommended regulatory reforms to strengthen environmental protection laws, implement international maritime safety conventions, and ensure rapid response mechanisms for future incidents.
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