A stock of nearly 1,400 metric tonnes (MT) of plastic pellets from the wreckage of the MV X-Press Pearl has been collected by the Central Environment Authority (CEA), noted Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera yesterday (9). Speaking at a virtual progress review meeting on the damage caused by the X-press Pearl, he noted that the above stock was deposited in about 40 containers for storage in a yard in the Hendala area, until receiving the recommendations of the Attorney General (AG) and the President-appointed committee to look into the damage caused by the ship. Minister Amaraweera noted that the stock of plastics could be used for plastics production and had been requested by plastics manufacturing companies and some parties. However, he noted, the plastic stockpile was important in the ongoing court proceedings over the damage caused by the X-Press Pearl. He said that he had instructed the CEA to take care of them safely, and that the officials were doing a very good job.

Source: The Nation August 10, 2021 17:15 UTC