Minister determined to get to the bottom of Port fire

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

Measures will be taken promptly to prevent a repetition of the fire which broke out at the Colombo Port, Ports and Aviation Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena said.

He said three separate investigation teams are still continuing the probe into Friday's fire at a warehouse in the JCT Terminal.

Accordingly, the CID, the Government Analyst and the security division of the Colombo port are conducting investigations.

The Minister noted that the investigations will reveal the cause and the story behind the fire soon, probably within the next few days. Investigations are being carried out with transparency and stern action will be taken against those who are found responsible for the act. The Government Analyst has collected all necessary samples in connection with the incident. Further investigation will be based on the Government Analyst's investigation report.

Colombo Port sources said that it was the biggest ever fire that had occurred in the port. The total cost of damage is being estimated. There had been 25 container loads of textiles imported for apparel factories and electronic goods.

The fire was brought under control by the Police, Army, Navy and the Air Force fire brigades with the assistance of Colombo Harbour fire fighting unit after a few hours, it caused severe damage to cargo stored in the warehouse and the warehouse building. According to a rough estimate, the damage is estimated at over Rs 40 million.