The Attorney General has submitted an interim claim of Rs 340 million to the lawyers representing the owners of the ‘MT New Diamond’ oil tanker, for the costs incurred by the Sri Lankan government in the assistance rendered to the ship and other related matters.

The AG’s Coordinating Officer State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne stated that the claim was presented today (16) in writing seeking compensation for the costs related to the assistance rendered by all parties including the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC), Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and Department of Coast Conservation, to extinguish the fire onboard the oil tanker, and other related matters.

She stated that the claim was submitted to the owners of the oil tanker seeking a compensation of Rs 340 million and that this estimation of costs was prepared only for the costs incurred up until yesterday (15).

Meanwhile she added that an estimate regarding the threat to the marine environment as a result of the oil leakage related to the incident will be submitted within the next couple of days after the relevant reports are received from the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA).

The AG’s Coordinating Officer further stated that compensation is expected to be sought for the total amount of the costs incurred by all parties based on a complete estimate and that this estimate cannot be submitted until the oil tanker exits Sri Lankan waters.