Gas explosions - Who is to blame?

by Staff Writer 24-12-2021 | 6:45 AM
COLOMBO (News 1st); Unsafe gas cylinders are still among many in Sri Lanka and two gas-related explosions were in Warakapola and the road leading to Adam's Peak. While experts continued to raise warnings over the change in the composition of gas cylinders, gas companies however maintained a different stance. Jayantha Basnayake the Chemical Reaction Engineer of Litro Gas Lanka Ltd said that they haven't changed the composition and the cylinder can handle the pressure six times the capacity. W. K. H Wegapitiya, Chairman of Laugfs Gas PLC said, the composition has not been changed in gas cylinders. He also noted that a fire erupts when 2 % of the gas comes into contact with air. What was the conclusion of the president's committee that probed the explosions? Prof. Shantha Walpola, Chairman of the committee appointed by the President to inquire into gas-related accidents and provide recommendations said that they have clearly mentioned in the report that there was a change in the composition and that is their initial conclusion. What must be done now? Former Executive Director of the Consumer Affairs Authority Thushan Gunawardana said, he feels some factions are trying to conceal the scenario and the wrongdoers are continuing to hold office. He questioned why isn't action being taken against the culprits. Gunawardana hinted that these decisions might involve persons in higher offices and there is a big question on why the CID is not being tasked with arresting those involved. Moreover, Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Ashok Abeysinghe said, action is not being taken although lives have been affected by gas cylinder related incidents. This situation must be rectified and those responsible must be arrested as well as the victims must be compensated, Abeysinghe said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF7lNZ4cHS8