Centre for Environmental Justice (Guarantee) Limited vs Marine Environment Protection Authority (X-Press Pearl Disaster) – SC/FR 168/2021-2023

The case between the Centre for Environmental Justice (Guarantee) Limited and associated petitioners versus the Marine Environment Protection Authority, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and associated respondents concerned the issue of constitutional remedies relating to the claim for compensation arising from the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster. The court was asked to determine the legality and propriety of the process by which compensation was assessed and pursued, in light of allegations of bribery, corruption, and a lack of transparency that purportedly resulted in the understatement of Sri Lanka’s compensation claim and compromised the public interest. The matter invoked constitutional provisions, including Articles 17, 126, and 134(3), and highlighted the need for accountability in publi