Sri Lankan cardinal to sue ship owner over pollution
Posted on June 3rd, 2021

UCA News reporter, Colombo

Singapore-registered container ship has released chemical waste into the sea since catching fire on May 20

The Singapore-registered container ship MV X-Press Pearl, carrying hundreds of tonnes of chemicals and plastics, sinks after burning for almost two weeks just outside Colombo’s harbor on June 2. (Photo: AFP)

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has decided to take legal action against the owner of a ship that has caused an environmental disaster on Sri Lanka’s coast.

He said the fishing community has been severely damaged by the Singapore-registered MV X-Press Pearl, which has spewed chemical waste into the sea since catching fire on May 20.

“I am ready to take the lead in taking legal action against the company that owns the ship,” said Cardinal Ranjith on June 2 in Colombo.Subscribe to your daily free newsletter from UCA News

The container ship was carrying 25 tonnes of nitric acid along with other chemicals and cosmetics when a fire erupted after an explosion.

Officials have warned people not to touch any debris washing up on beaches as it could be harmful. More than 1,000 people including navy and army personnel have been cleaning up beaches in recent days.

One Response to “Sri Lankan cardinal to sue ship owner over pollution”

1. Nimal Says:
   June 6th, 2021 at 7:08 am

   Why is the church getting involved? It should be the GOSL that do that job. All prelates of all faiths must see that the compensation will not be fleeced but go to the people affected by this disaster.

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