Sri Lanka, Sept. 17 -- Attorney General Dappula De Livera had yesterday submitted an interim claim for Rs.340 million to the owners of the blazed crude oil tanker 'MT New Diamond' vessel for cost incurred to assist in extinguishing the fire and the costs incurred in connection with the fire.

Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne told news media that the claim was submitted to the lawyers of the owners of the vessel determining that the vessel will not be permitted to leave the Sri Lankan waters until the compensation is paid to Sri Lanka.

"The Navy, Air Force, the Sri Lankan Port Authority, the Colombo Dockyard, MEPA (Marine Environmental Protection Authority) and the Coast Guard have all calculate...