Two committees appointed to probe Sapugaskanda oil leak

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Energy has appointed two committees to look into the oil leak from the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery during recent floods in the nearby areas. "A Treatment Plant that purifies oil that is mixed with water was inundated and thereby oil was mixed with the floodwater that affected the nearby areas. As the Minister of Energy, I appointed two committees yesterday (Jun. 07) to probe the incident," Udaya Gammanpila, the Minister of Energy told reporters on Tuesday (Jun. 08). According to Minister Gammanpila, the oil leak was caused through a Treatment Plant located at the surface level since the 1960s. One committee will investigate the causes that led to the oil leak including whether or not it was caused due to the shortcomings or negligence of the officers at the Sapugaskanda Refinery and what measures should be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Whilst emphasizing that the Ministry hopes to provide compensation for those affected as a result of the oil leak, starting from Wednesday (Jun. 09), Minister Udaya Gammanpila noted that the other committee is tasked with the responsibility of calculating the compensation that is required. Both committees are required to report back to Minister Udaya Gammanpila within 14-days. https://youtu.be/aaoluYW4xk8