Petition seeking an order to set up a marine environment conservation fund fixed for October 25

The Fundamental Rights petition filed by environmental scientist Dr. Ajantha Perera and a social activist seeking an order directing the authorities to set up a Restoration and Conservation Fund for the environmental degradation due to the pollution caused by the X-press Pearl vessel was yesterday fixed for support by Supreme Court.

Supreme Court two-judge-bench comprising Justice Shiran Goonaratne and Justice Kumuduni Wickremasinghe fixed the petition for support on October 25.

The court was informed that the petitioner is to amend the caption of the petition. Meanwhile, Senior Counsel Chrismal Waransuriya appearing for the petitioner raised objections to the intervention sought by President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva to appear on behalf of the owner of the vessel.

The petitioners, Dr Ajantha Perera and Jeran Jegatheesan are seeking an order to allocate not less than 70% of all compensation received, for the restoration of the oceanic environment.

The petitioners had named the Marine Environment Protection Authority and its Chairman Dharshani Lahandapura, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, State Minister of Urban Development Nalaka Godahewa and several others as respondents.

The petitioners are further seeking an order to take immediate steps for the prosecution of all those responsible in connection with the X-press Pearl disaster.

Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle appeared for the Attorney General.