State Minister Nalaka Godahewa responded to the allegations that Xpress Pearl ship was denied entry to india and Qatar before catching fire off Sri Lanka's shores.

Godahewa told media that it was a baseless rumour spread by social media and the ship arrived in Sri Lanka's water according to the standard protocol. "If there is a suspicion that there was some issue on the part of the Sri Lankan authorities, we will investigate that," he added. 

The State Minister said measures would be taken to seek compensation from the company following the procedure followed in the case of New Diamond ship.