Tow X-PRESS PEARL into deep seas; Sri Lanka’s President instructs relevant officials

Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed to tow the ill-fated X-PRESS PEARL container ship in to deep seas off the Colombo Harbour.

Minister of Ports and Shipping Rohitha Abeygunawardena on Tuesday (01) had informed the President of all details surrounding vessel including its route from the UAE on the 19th of May to Sri Lanka.

Experts representing multiple fields had informed the President of the dangers posed to the marine environment if the vessels sinks in Sri Lankan waters.

The President accordingly had given an order to tow the vessel into deep seas as per the powers vested with the Chairperson of the Marine Environment Protection Authority and on the advice of the Attorney General.

The President had stressed the decision must only be made based on technical expertise and not on political grounds.