Sri Lanka Supreme Court Orders $1 Billion Compensation Over X-Press Pearl Disaster

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has ordered the owners and associated parties of the X-Press Pearl container ship to pay US$1 billion in compensation for the extensive environmental damage and economic losses caused by the vessel’s fire and sinking off Colombo in May 2021. The disaster, which involved the spillage of hazardous chemicals and billions of plastic pellets, severely affected marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of fishing communities along the western coast. The compensation is to be paid to the Secretary to the Treasury within one year, with the court also establishing the MV X-Press Pearl Compensation Commission to oversee the process. The Supreme Court found that several officials, including former State Minister Nalaka Godahewa and various environmental authorities, violated fundamental human rights by failing to take adequate preventive and supervisory measures. The ruling was influenced by petitions from affected parties, including the Archbishop of Colombo and members of the fisheries community, highlighting the wide-ranging impacts on both the environment and local economy. This landmark judgment underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to holding responsible parties accountable for one of its worst marine environmental catastrophes.