Explosion at Kosgama Salawa Ammunition Storage

(Press Release)

Ministry of Defence (MoD) at the outset, expresses its deep regret over the unexpected explosion at Kosgama Salawa Ammunition Storage and the government has decided to compensate for any damage or injury, caused to any person or property due to the blast.

The incident, occurred around 5.45 p.m. on Sunday (5) claimed the life of a soldier, injured one more. In addition, a few more civilians in the area too sustained injuries and were given treatment. Sri Lanka Army troops, strongly supported by Sri Lanka Air Force, Navy, Police, Special Task Force and fire-fighters, took all possible measures to minimize the loss of life and property during the incident. Likewise, medical teams of the tri-services have also been deployed in the area to assist the affected. President Maithripala Sirisena who has been in constant touch with the developments, has issued necessary instructions to the Secretary Defence and the tri services.

Moreover, steps have been taken by the Commander of the Army to appoint a Court of Inquiry shortly to ascertain the causes that led to the explosion on the directions of the National Security Council. A parallel investigation of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) too has already commenced.

In the event any person comes across any of those shrapnel or remnants in affected areas, it is kindly advised that such information be immediately brought to the notice of the Sri Lanka Army without tampering them through the following telephone numbers of the Army Operational Room.

Directorate of Operations (Ops Room) 0113818609, 0112434251

It is pertinent to recall here that a similar ammunition dump in Vavuniya, caught fire for three days as a result of a terrorist attack in 2009. Similarly, an explosion in an ammunition dump in the State of Maharashta in India on 31 May this year claimed 17 lives and injured many.

The public are kindly requested not be misled by various rumours, being spread by different interested parties in relation to this unfortunate incident.(Ends)