Special Parliamentary committee appointed to probe X-Press Pearl and New Diamond disasters 

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday appointed a special Parliamentary committee to inquire into the X-Press Pearl and MV New Diamond marine disasters. 

The committee led by Minister of Plantation Industries and Industries Dr. Ramesh Pathirana will be expected to provide recommendations following the probe. The committee appointed by the Speaker also includes MPs Dr. Suren Raghavan, Diana Gamage, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Rauff Hakeem, Sarath Weerasekara, Niroshan Perera, Ajith Mannaperuma, Nimal Lansa, Thushara Indunil Amarasena, Dr. Kavinda Jayawardena, Akila Ellawala, Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda and Madhura Vithanage. 

In May, independent MP Prof. G.L. Peiris called for the appointment of a special committee and presented a proposal to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to that effect.  At the time Peiris said it is the best and most impartial method to elicit the truth into the matter and prevent any details from being suppressed after doubts regarding the compensation and litigation process began to make the rounds.