FR application filed seeking an order directing the authorities to set up an Ocean restoration fund fixed for support.

The Fundamental Rights petition filed by environmental scientist Dr. Ajantha Perera and a social activist seeking an order directing the authorities to set up a Restoration and Conservation Fund for the environmental degradation due to the pollution caused by the X-Press Pearl vessel was today fixed for support by Supreme Court. The Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justice Yasantha Kodagoda and Justice Mahinda Samayawardena fixed the petition for support on November 9. The court was informed that the petitioner is to amend the caption of the petition. The petitioners, Dr Ajantha Perera and Jeran Jegatheesan are seeking an order to allocate not less than 70% of all compensation received, for the restoration of the oceanic environment. The petitioners had named the Marine Environment Protection Authority and its Chairman Dharshani Lahandapura,  Sri Lanka Ports Authority, State Minister of Urban Development Nalaka Godahewa and several others as respondents. The petitioners are further seeking an order to take immediate steps for the prosecution of all those responsible in connection with the X-Press Pearl disaster.