Explosions of gas tanks were reported from various parts of the island throughout the day, shocking the public. People who were disturbed by the increase in gas prices and the shortage of gas were further shocked by the stories heard about the gas leaks.
The incident, which ranged from Cinnamon Gardens in Colombo to the explosion of gas tanks in a village house, was blamed by many on the lack of quality of the new gas coming into the market. Therefore, gas leaks and explosions occur.
However, Minister of State Lasantha Alagiyawanna stated in Parliament recently that the change in composition was not a reason for a gas cylinder to explode. He said that this has been researched and confirmed by the University of Moratuwa. He further said that Litro has also taken steps to suspend the new 18 liter gas tank which has been modified.
Nimal de Silva, a natural gas and petroleum exploration engineer, has reported from Lankadeepa that after purchasing a gas cylinder, it is advisable to check for a leak before taking it into the house.
According to the report, if there is a gas leak from the cylinder itself, it is the fault of the valve and the cause of the gas leak from the valve is the internal pressure of the cylinder and the pressure changes only if the composition changes. Mr. Nimal de Silva said that it was important to apply a little soap foam on the valve of the gas cylinder to check for leaks.
Meanwhile, Nurse Pushpa Ramya de Zoysa of the Colombo National Hospital said that this was not a new situation and that those injured in the gas tank explosions were being admitted to the Colombo National Hospital for treatment. However, two gas leaks were also reported in Kegalle and Puttalama yesterday (28). Samples have been taken from 7 districts to test the quality of gases in the market considering the current situation.
Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Minister of State for Consumer Protection has stated that there have been more accidents in the country in the recent past with regard to gas and that the Sri Lanka Standards Institution has agreed to inspect the quality of gas due to its responsibility to inspect it.