Police asked to further investigate BMICH explosion

Razeena Razick

COLOMBO: Colombo Chief Magistrate Kusala Sarojini Weerawardane yesterday requested the Cinnamon Gardens Police to conduct further investigations into Tuesday’s explosion at the BMICH.

The Cinnamon Garden Police yesterday submitted a detailed statement regarding the explosion at the Deyata Kirula national exhibition.

The statement produced to the Court stated that the Police immediately reacted to the phone call received by the 119 Police Emergency Service. Following the alarm Cinnamon Gardens Police had rushed to the spot and reported that it was an explosion inside the exhibition stall run by the STF.

The explosion had occurred accidentally while an STF officer was conducting the public through the stall.

The victims of the explosion are receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.

The victims have been identified as Chandrani Amarasinghe of Thalangama, W.A. Kusumalatha of Colombo 5, M.R. Pieris of Wadduwa, Kasun Malinga of Ganemulla, Niel Jayamaha of Ganemulla, Thilak Lasantha of STF, Chathuranga Lakmal of Malabe, Akila Sanjeewa of Kollonnawa, Vasantha Premelal of Panadura, Navin Nivarthana of Piliyandala and Chathurani of Ganemulla. Six patients had already been discharged.

The Police further stated that the lapse could be considered as a punishable offence under the Penal Code.

Further investigations are being conducted by the police and inquiries are also in progress in relation to the STF personnel responsible.

The Cinnamon Gardens OIC Sagara Kirithipola and SI Perera requested Court for another date to produce further material with regard to the on going investigations.

The Magistrate allowed the request.