News

Gas explosions continue

Published

4 years ago

2021/12/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

Now incident with a cylinder with red coloured tamper proof seal

By Rathindra Kuruwita

State Minister of Co-operative Services, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, yesterday said that there had been a gas explosion involving a gas cylinder with a red coloured tamper proof seal.

Earlier this week, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) asked Litro Gas to recall all unused LP gas cylinders, distributed before 04 December. This batch of cylinders had a blue-coloured tamper proof seal. The CAA has also asked Litro to release a new batch of cylinders, with a safe composition of gas, with red-coloured seals.

“This is true. We have had such a report. We need to look into this. Sometimes, there are other reasons. For example, there was a death from a gas explosion in Polonnaruwa a few weeks ago. Initially, we thought it was due to a gas leak but later the police found that it was a case of suicide. I am not trying to tell you that this is not a gas leak. We will have to investigate,” he said.

State Minister Alagiyawanna said that a ship carrying LPG was to arrive on Friday and officials of the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), and CAA would take samples of the gas and send it to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) for testing.

Earlier, ethyl mercaptan was added to the gas cylinders in Sri Lanka to alert people if there was a leak, he said.

“Ethyl mercaptan is commonly used as an additive to odorless gases like butane, propane, and petroleum to warn users in case of leaks. We found that the companies had not added adequate quantities of ethyl mercaptan to the gas. We have also instructed them to add adequate amount of this chemical to the gas before its brought here,” he said.

Alagiyawanna said that around 40% of Sri Lankan families use gas and that it would take time for the issue to be addressed, even though the government would love to solve the issue immediately. Gas cylinders with the changed gas composition would circulate in the market for some time and unfortunately there might be continued explosions in the coming days, he said.

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Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha and Monaragala districts during the day time

Published

2 hours ago

2026/05/3

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 02 May 2026, valid for 03 May 2026

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha and Monaragala districts during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED

Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

News

Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM

Published

22 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April

Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.

Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.

The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka pays farewll call on PM

Published

22 hours ago

2026/05/2

Priyan

The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.

Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)