Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake had recently witnessed a minor accident at the Railway Workshops Complex in Ratmalana during his inspection tour of the facility. 

Rathnayake was at the workshop complex last Thursday (17) when a minor explosion had occurred during ongoing work on a railway compartment, with workers scrambling to put out a fire.

The Minister, after witnessing the incident, had inquired about the requirements of the workers and had also asked if they were granted proper safety equipment. 

“No safety boots? Or have they been given to you and you have not worn them out of laziness? Or have you not been granted such gear at all?” the Minister had inquired. 

The workers had informed Rathnayake that they had not been given any protective gear.