News
Gas explosions continue
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.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Acting Ministers for four ministries before his departure on an official state visit to Vietnam.
The appointments cover three ministries under the President’s purview — the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, which comes under the purview of Minister Vijitha Herath, who is accompanying the President on this official visit.
Accordingly, the following Acting Ministers have been appointed:
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Digital Economy.
Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Defence.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, has been appointed as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
[PMD]
Gen. Nakatani, Minister of Defense of Japan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees today [May 4].
The discussion took place in the spirit of long-standing bilateral friendship and focused on strengthening cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of defense and regional security. Minister Nakatani extended his congratulations to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government of Japan and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in maritime security and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through development partnerships, especially via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, economic reform, and national transformation.
The Prime Minister also shared the government’s vision for evolving the role of Sri Lanka’s security forces to include responsibilities such as climate response, humanitarian assistance, and maritime protection. The meeting further explored opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism, with both parties agreeing to deepen engagement across five key sectors.
The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from both governments participated in the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
-
News6 days agoJapan-funded anti-corruption project launched again
-
Sports5 days agoOTRFU Beach Tag Rugby Carnival on 24th May at Port City Colombo
-
News6 days agoSethmi Premadasa youngest Sri Lankan to perform at world-renowned Musikverein in Vienna
-
News3 days agoRanil’s Chief Security Officer transferred to KKS
-
Business6 days agoNational Savings Bank appoints Ajith Akmeemana,Chief Financial Officer
-
Features4 days agoThe Broken Promise of the Lankan Cinema: Asoka & Swarna’s Thrilling-Melodrama – Part IV
-
Features5 days agoTrump tariffs and their effect on world trade and economy with particular
-
News4 days agoRadisson Blu Hotel, Galadari Colombo appoints Marko Janssen as General Manager