Although over an year has elapsed since the Supreme Court ordered companies linked to the X-Press Pearl Group to pay USD 01 billion in compensation to the Sri Lankan Government over the environmental damage caused by the MV X-Press Pearl maritime disaster, only Rs. 250 million (around USD 01 million) has been paid so far, according to reports.
When the matter was taken up before a Supreme Court Trial-at-Bar Bench comprising Justices Shiran Gunaratne, Achala Wengappuli and Priyantha Fernando on Jan. 26, 2026, Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle informed the court that the shipping company had deposited only Rs. 250 million instead of the required USD 500 million instalment.
Lawyers appearing for the petitioners pointed out that failure to pay the stipulated compensation amounted to a serious contempt of court.
Over an year