India refuted media reports that suggested it has demanded compensation from Sri Lanka for the assistance provided during the fire incidents onboard MT New Diamond and MV Xpress Pearl in September 2020 and May June 2021.
“ Such reports are completely false and incorrect,” a statement from Indian High Commission in Colombo said today.
Following the disasters, India immediately deployed its ships of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in response to specific requests from Sri Lanka Navy for providing expeditious assistance to fight the fire incidents onboard MT New Diamond and MV Xpress Pearl.
“Rescue operations conducted by these ships were instrumental in curtailing the hazardous effects of the two fire incidents and thereby limiting the damage on the maritime and marine environment of Sri Lanka,” the statement noted.
“In line with ‘Polluter Pay Principle’ as per international norms, we have raised a claim for deployment, salvage activities and items/stores undertaken by these ships. The government of Sri Lanka has been requested to join our claims with that of the Sri Lankan side in the respective forum,” the statement further added.
It is emphasized that the request has been for presenting these claims to the Insurer/Owner for settlement and reimbursing the compensation received through established channels, the statement noted.
India also reiterated that “ India has not demanded any damages/compensation from SriLankan government and India’s immediate deployment of ships are in line with ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Security And Growth for All (S.A.G.A.R) doctrine,”
Mr. Ali Sabri Rahim, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Puttalam District whom an open warrant had been issued, attended a public ceremony at Al Aksha National School in Kalpitiya today (16) as the special guest of honor.
The Supreme Court today refused interim relief in an application filed by President’s Counsel Senaka Walgampaya seeking an Order from the Supreme Court compelling the President to appoint judges to fill the existing vacancies in the Court Of Appeal.
Gazette on new speed limit regulations to be issued within two weeks
Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena has been sent on compulsory leave pending disciplinary investigation over his failure to prevent the Easter Sunday bombings.
Two underworld criminals wanted for multiple crimes, including murder, were brought from Dubai to Sri Lanka, today (12).
The 22nd amendment to the constitution dealing with the term of the President has been gazetted by order of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
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