State Minister of Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna says the report comprising of recommendations tabled by the committee appointed to look into the recent gas-related incidents, chaired by Professor Shantha Walpola, will be presented to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a week.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo today, State Minister Alagiyawanna noted the relevant committee was conducting investigations voluntarily, adding it is currently engaged in observational activities of Laugfs Gas PLC. He added another group had visited the places where incidents were reported.
The State Minister said from the 1st of January till the 28th of November, 28 gas-related incidents were reported, while 16 gas-related incidents were reported on the 29th of November, 34 incidents on the 30th of November, 53 on the 1st of December, 60 on the 2nd, 142 on the 3rd, 78 on the 4th and 44 incidents on the 5th.
State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna acknowledged that adequate steps were not taken by relevant officials to ensure the safety of consumers who were dependent on LP gas cylinders.
He noted all governments, state bodies and relevant officials since the 1960s did not focus on enforcing standards related to LP gas cylinders, regulators, cookers and related products.
The State Minister also noted personally he believes the two importers and distributors of LP gas cylinders had not taken adequate steps to ensure the safety of consumers.
He however assured that necessary steps will be taken to address the prevailing issues.
