Sri Lanka, Feb. 6 -- Senior Advocate Himali Kularatne informed the Supreme Court yesterday (5) that Sri Lankans will endure long-term consequences due to toxic chemicals released into the sea from the X-Press Pearl ship, which caught fire and sank in Sri Lankan waters.

She made this statement during the re-examination of several fundamental rights petitions challenging the environmental and economic damage caused by the disaster, particularly its impact on the marine ecosystem and fishing communities.

The petitions were heard before a five-member Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, and Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Shiran Gunaratne, Achala Waugappuli, and Mahinda Samayawardena.

Representing the fishing community,...