The MV X-Press Pearl, which caught fire near the Port of Colombo, is reported sinking at present. Although several agencies and institutions, including the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), made immense efforts to rescue the ship, it was severely affected by the weather conditions prevailed at the time.
On 02.06.2021, around 2.30pm the Minister of Ports and Shipping – Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) – General Daya Ratnayake, Vice Chairman SLPA – Dr. Prasantha Jayamanna and Harbour Master SLPA – Capt. Nirmal Silva joined in a special inspection visit of the ship on board a tug boat belonged SLPA.
At the visit, special attention was made if there was any form of oil leak from the sinking vessel. Attention was also drawn to the immediate action to be taken in the event of such an adverse situation.