Massive fire damages Police Headquarters' offices
 

by Sarath Malalasekera

Three Firefighting Units from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Air Force and Colombo Municipal Council controlled a massive fire that damaged three main Senior DIGs offices at the Police headquarters yesterday morning.

The fire took place at Senior DIG Personnel Mahinda Balasuriya's office on the second floor of the headquarters and spread to the other floors, Inspector General of Police Chandra Fernando said. "If not for the three Firefighting Units the fire would have spread to the other floors causing severe damage," the IGP said. Routine work at the Police Headquarters was shifted to the Police Welfare Centre, Pettah temporarily, IGP Fernando said.

He directed the CID DIG and Director Criminal Investigations Department to investigate into the fire and submit a comprehensive report soon.

The IGP also directed the Government Analyst, Western Province electrical engineer and General Manager to investigate into the fire and submit reports to ascertain whether it was a short circuit or sabotage.

All employees of the Police Headquarters were evacuated and directed to leave the premises and report to work tomorrow at the Police Welfare Centre, Pettah.

Not a single document was burnt or any employee of the Police headquarters injured in the fire, the IGP said.