In a significant development in the ongoing litigation over the environmental disaster caused by the X-Press Pearl vessel, Sea Consortium Lanka Ltd. has confirmed payment of Rs. 300 million to the Treasury.
An affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, in connection with Fundamental Rights case SCFR 168/21, states that the payment was made on September 22, 2025, through a pay order in favour of the Secretary to the Treasury. The affidavit was submitted by the company’s Chairman, Arjuna Indrajith, along with annexures detailing the transaction.
Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Chairman Hemantha Withanage told The Island that while the payment is a step forward, it is only a fraction of the true cost of the disaster.
“The X-Press Pearl incident caused the single largest marine pollution event in Sri Lanka’s history, devastating marine life, fisheries, coastal livelihoods, and tourism,” Withanage said. “Three hundred million rupees is not even close to the damages that need to be recovered. The losses run into billions of dollars.” The X-Press Pearl Group was ordered to pay 250 milion USD by 23rd Sepetember.
He warned that Sri Lanka must not allow piecemeal payments to derail the broader claims being pursued.
“We have to be very clear: this payment should not be treated as a final settlement. The people of Sri Lanka deserve full compensation, not token amounts. Accountability must extend beyond financial reparations to ensuring that companies responsible for such ecological destruction face proper legal consequences,” Withanage emphasised.
The CEJ has consistently campaigned for stronger legal action, pointing out that the chemical spill, plastic pellet contamination, and toxic emissions from the stricken vessel have long-term consequences that are still being studied.
“Our concern is that the case should not be dragged out or quietly settled behind closed doors. Transparency is vital. The government has a duty to ensure that compensation is fully commensurate with the scale of the disaster and money should go to the actual compensation and restoration as clearly written in the interim order he added, he added.
The Supreme Court case, filed by environmental groups and citizens, continues to push for accountability and adequate compensation from those responsible for the 2021 catastrophe.
By Ifham Nizam
