While claiming that an irreparable loss caused to all sectors of environment, social and economy due to the distressed MV X-Press Pearl vessel, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) yesterday urged the government to conduct a scientific study on the fishery harvest and a proper assessment on the damage caused to the marine environment and social life of the coastal belt.
JVP MP Vijitha Herath told a news conference that all affected parties should be compensated after obtaining a proper compensation from the relevant insurance companies.
“A proper assessment should be carried out on the damage caused to the marine environment and social life of the coastal belt. Fishing community is in crisis due to this situation. The loss caused to them cannot be restored by paying Rs. 5,000. They should be compensated for losses to their fishing gear. A proper assessment should be done to assess the damage caused to fish vendors and others who were indirectly benefited by the fishing industry," he said.
He said the government has failed to prevent the possible danger such as acid rains, contamination of sea water and air pollution due to its failure in taking prompt action.
"This debris can be washed away to the southern coasts with the South-West monsoon. It will cause an irreparable loss to the breeding places of fish and coral reefs directly affecting the fishing industry. Even the ornamental fish export will be affected due to the destruction to the sea weeds," he said.(Daily Mirror)