Sri Lanka, July 30 -- Sri Lanka has officially begun its claim for compensation following the fire on the MSC Elsa III vessel, which occurred off the coast of Kerala, India, in May.

Debris from the vessel, including plastics and oil spatters, first washed ashore on Sri Lankan coasts on the 11th of June, affecting a wide stretch from Delft to Matara.

Samantha Gunasekara, Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), confirmed that a special team is continuously monitoring the affected coastal areas.

He also assured Hiru News that the company responsible for the vessel has agreed to pay compensation.

Gunasekara explained that the collection of debris is an ongoing effort, with workers continuously clearing the beaches....