Queries whether it was natural, arson or negligence 

Trade unions affiliated with the main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), expressed doubts about the cause of the recent fire that broke out at the Sapugaskanda oil refinery and the circumstances that may have led to it.

The fire that broke out in an empty fuel tank which was being repaired at the Refinery on Wednesday (10) has now been fully brought under control. Reports state that multiple fire engines, including seven from the Colombo Fire Brigade, were deployed to contain the fire. 

The fire had erupted on Wednesday evening in a fuel tank undergoing maintenance work at the refinery. It took a considerable amount of time to bring the fire under control. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown. A local investigation was scheduled to take place yesterday (11) to determine the cause.

Samagi United Trade Union Force Media Spokesperson and Convenor Ananda Palitha discussed the matter during a press briefing held yesterday. “An oil tank belonging to the refinery caught fire. However, there is a question about whether this fire just erupted, whether it was set off, or was it allowed to occur.”

Adding that the Number Two crude oil tank at the refinery was repaired, Palitha said: “In such situations, as assurance should be given that there is no gas in the oil tank. It is after that assurance that the oil tank can be cut. If it was not done properly, the chances of it catching fire are high.”

Moreover, he expressed concerns that the refinery, which has over 60 oil refining tanks, has only 18 workers in the fire and safety unit and has only five workers working on a single shift. He added: “Because of the repairs of the oil tank, safety systems are not operational. In such a situation, full security should have been provided there. Responsible officers should be there.”

He further alleged that the fire is a sign that the management of the refinery is not efficient.