State Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says vessels have been prevented from entering from the Negombo lagoon and fishing from Panadura to Negombo had been stopped with immediate effect as the MV XPress Pearl is sinking at its current position.

Emergency preventive measures have been taken to protect the Negombo lagoon and surrounding areas from a possible oil leak and other debris.

Vessels fishing around the area and high seas have also been informed to be vigilant.