The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, I answer Question 9 - 1491/2025 regarding fishermen affected due to the “X-Press Pearl” disaster.

¶ 02 (a) (i) Yes. Due to the fishing ban imposed after the X-Press Pearl fire, various categories were affected—23 categories directly engaged in fishing and 23 indirectly. Damage to fishing gear and to aquaculture in the Negombo lagoon was also identified.

¶ 03 (ii) Yes. Compensation payments have been made for the damages identified in (i).

¶ 04 (iii) In the first phase, after assessment and through the Attorney General’s Department, USD 56.90 million was claimed from the vessel’s insurer for the fisheries sector and associated livelihoods. Following consideration of appeals per Supreme Court orders, an additional USD 2.28 million was claimed. To date, in four tranches, Rs. 2,980.5 million has been received from the insurer for compensation. Rs. 2,794.96 million has been remitted to District Secretariats for payments via Divisional Secretaries to identified beneficiaries.

¶ 05 (iv) No special plan unique to Puttalam District, but verified damages to gear and equipment in Puttalam have been paid.

¶ 06 (b) Based on a scientifically verified report, a fishing ban was imposed over approximately 457 sq. km from the Negombo lagoon and offshore from Negombo to Panadura, and livelihood loss compensation was paid there. Beyond that zone, fishermen were not compensated for livelihood loss. However, verified claims for gear and equipment damage from Puttalam have been paid.