X-Press Pearl compensation : Only USD 1 mn. paid out of USD 1 bn.
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
More than a year has passed since the Supreme Court delivered its landmark judgment on the case on July 24, 2025, which is considered one of the most significant rulings in the history of Sri Lanka’s environmental law.
The verdict was delivered after several Fundamental Rights petitions (SC/FR 168/2021, 176/2021, 184/2021 and 277/2021) were considered together, applying the “Polluter Pays Principle”, under which those responsible for environmental damage must bear the cost of compensation.
The Supreme Court identified the responsible companies as:
- EOS Ro Pte. Ltd. – Registered owner of the vessel
- Killiney Shipping Pte. Ltd. – Bareboat charterer
- Sea Consortium Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) – Time charterer / operator
- Sea Consortium Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. – Local agent in Sri Lanka
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a broad investigation into Sea Consortium Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd., the local agent of the X-Press Pearl vessel.
Travel bans have been imposed on 14 members of its board of directors following orders issued by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and the High Court.
Arbitration proceedings
The foreign shipping company, which has been accused of attempting to avoid legal proceedings, has reportedly initiated international arbitration by invoking investment protection provisions under the Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SLSFTA).
The company has reportedly argued that since USD 150 million – USD 170 million has been spent on coastal clean-up operations, it should be considered adequate compensation.
However, lawyers representing Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith have requested the court to obtain affidavits detailing the personal and corporate assets of directors of the local companies involved.
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