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Sri Lanka Orders Singapore Shipowner to Pay US$1 Billion over Marine Disaster

SRI LANKA, JUL 24 – The court held the ship's owners liable under the Polluter Pays Principle for the largest marine plastic spill, ordering compensation to aid environmental restoration and economic recovery.

  • In Colombo, the Supreme Court ordered the owners of the MV X-Press Pearl, a Singapore-flagged ship, to pay USD 1 billion for Sri Lanka’s worst marine pollution disaster, describing it as record-breaking environmental damage.
  • The MV X-Press Pearl sank off Colombo in June 2021 after catching fire, releasing the largest recorded marine plastic spill, causing extensive environmental damage.
  • Environmental surveys showed tons of microplastic granules inundated Sri Lanka’s western coast, harming marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
  • Judges found Nalaka Godahewa and Marine Environment Protection Authority breached rights, while directing USD 1 billion to the Treasury.
  • The court directed owners, operators and local agent to pay USD 1 billion by September 23, 2025; this landmark judgment aims to restore Sri Lanka’s marine environment.
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ONLANKA News - Sri Lanka News - Latest Breaking News from Sri Lanka broke the news in on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
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