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Interim relief will cause havoc counsel for gas company maintains

Published

3 years ago

2021/12/15

By Chitra Weerarathne

Additional Solicitor General, Farzana Jameel, PC said that the Consumer Affairs Authority had been directed to recall the old cylinders of gas from the market and to introduce new cylinders with a new colour wrap in future.

Nagananda Kodituwakku told the Court of Appeal that the day before yesterday a mother of four children had died. Public safety should be taken into account. The Attorney General should not be allowed to abuse his office.

Attorney-at-Law Harsha Amarasekera, PC said that the petition filed against the LP gas companies, did not give a proper picture.

The Court questioned whether the gas producing institutions would introduce a label indicating the composition of the gas, etc.

HAmarasekera replied that he needed to get instructions from his clients on that subject. He appeared for the producers of Litro Gas Pvt. Limited. He explained that a chemical was to be introduced to the LP gas so that a smell would emanate if there was any leak. Incidents of accidents this year were less than last year.

Social media have highlighted the events.

The President had instructed the police to produce a report on incidents of explosions, counsel Amarasekera said.

The Counsel asked for time to ascertain the composition of the LP gas as regards propane and methane.

Additional Solicitor General Farzana Jameel, PC said that directions had been given by the authorities to recall old sealed cylinders from the market. The Consumer Affairs Authority would have a new colour wrap on the cylinders in the future.

The Committee appointed by the President had submitted the report on the issue, Counsel Amarasekera said.

Petitioner Naganada Kodituwakku said that the Minister himself had admitted in Parliament there was a danger to people. The composition in Litro Gas containers was wrong as regards propane-butane ratio.

The petitioner requested for interim relief against the distribution of cylinders of gas.

Amarasekera PC said that the interim relief sought by Kodituwakku would create havoc. The Government Analyst had said that most of the media reports as regards the composition and explosion were false.

The petitioner was asking for interim relief only to get publicity and not to protect the people, counsel Amarasekera alleged.

Interim relief would affect everyone using gas. Only a very small percentage of gas consumers had been injured, he added.

Counsel Suren de Silva appearing for Laugfs Gas Pvt. Limited said that social media had created havoc. The problem was not with the composition of the gas, not even with the cylinders, but might be with the new accessories introduced.

The bench comprised Justice K. Priyantha Fernando (President of the Court of Appeal) and Justice Sampath B. Abeykoon.

Hearing is to be resumed today (15).

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Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Published

2 hours ago

2025/04/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025

The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

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 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.

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AKD’s fourth state visit

Published

3 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.

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Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

Published

3 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

AVM Thuyacontha shaking hands with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif (pic courtesy MoD)

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.

The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.