The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today refused to issue notices on seven individuals, including the Local Agent of the fire-ravaged container ship MV X-Press Perl.
Deputy Solicitor General Madhawa Tennakoonappearing for the CID sought an order to name seven persons including the Managing Director of the Sea Consortium Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the Local Agent of X-Press vessel as suspects in the case. He further sought an order directing seven individuals to appear in court on the next hearing date.
President’s Counsel Sarath Jayamannaappearing for the Captain, Chief Engineer and Deputy Chief Engineer of MV X-Press Pearl vessel raised objections to the prosecution’s motion and argued that the Magistrate’s Court has no power to issue notices over an incident that happened in the sea. He contended that Admiralty Jurisdiction is vested on High Court and thereby Magistrate’s Court does not have the power to issue such an order.
Meanwhile, Captain, Chief Engineer and Deputy Chief Engineer of MV X-Press Pearl vessel were not present in court today and were represented by a group of lawyers. The Court was informed that they are currently undergoing quarantine for COVID-19 at a hotel.
Meanwhile, Colombo Additional Magistrate Shalini Perera issued an order directing, the Navy Commander to provide adequate security for the fire-ravaged container ship.
