Cabinet Spokesman Minister of Mass Media Dullas Alahapperuma says groups appointed to look into the gas explosions reported across the country are expected to reveal the real situation within the next 48 hours.
Speaking during the weekly Cabinet decisions media briefing Minister Alahapperuma said he believes the University of Moratuwa, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, the Government Analyst and the subject Ministry will provide a detailed explanation on the real situation.
The Minister claimed in the relevant incidents gas cylinders have not exploded adding however explosions linked to cylinders have occurred.
Minister Alahapperuma said statistically it is unusual, adding that from 2015 till September 2021, 233 such explosions were reported.
Commenting on the Polonnaruwa incident, the Minister said the Police Media Spokesman reported that the woman who died had informed that she will set herself on fire via a video call.
He said state institutions have not had a regulatory body to regulate the composition of gas in cylinders adding therefore the relevant information was sent to the University of Moratuwa and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, and the relevant tests are being conducted.
The Minister said the government is giving excuses and ridding themselves of responsibility by saying there was no regulatory body, adding that it is their responsibility.
He said it is regretful that no regulatory body was established for gas since the use of gas at a large scale for domestic purposes commenced in 1978.
When inquired on when the report by the committee appointed to look into the composition of gas in cylinders will be publicised, Minister Alahapperuma said he lacks the background knowledge at the moment to announce a fixed date, adding however it must be done promptly.
