Homagama Factory Fire: Environmental License Was Not Renewed Before Deadly Blaze
The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has revealed that the environmental license issued to the safety helmet manufacturing factory in Katuwana, Homagama, where five people died in a devastating fire, had not been renewed.
CEA Director General Kapila Rajapaksa said the factory management had failed to submit required reports on measures taken to ensure a safe working environment, including a fire safety action plan, which were necessary for the renewal of the environmental license.
The environmental license issued to the factory in 2023 was not renewed due to the failure to provide the required documentation.
Factory Management Given Opportunity to Renew License
The Director General said the management was informed through a letter issued on the 2nd that the environmental license would not be renewed.
He added that the factory could reapply for the license by submitting the relevant documents to the Central Environmental Authority within 20 days.
Investigation into Environmental Impact
Following reports of the factory fire, the CEA immediately dispatched the area’s environmental officer along with a team to assess the situation.
The investigation focused on whether any hazardous chemicals released during the fire had affected the surrounding environment.
CEA officials said instructions will also be issued regarding the safe disposal of chemical substances remaining at the site after the fire.
The Director General added that the situation is being closely monitored.
Five Deaths Reported in Factory Fire
Meanwhile, post-mortem examinations of the five individuals who died in the factory fire are scheduled to be conducted today.
A magistrate’s inquiry into the incident was held yesterday afternoon by the Homagama Magistrate.
The fire broke out at around 9:30 a.m. on the third floor of the three-storey factory building.
Police suspect that a short circuit in a fan may have caused the blaze.
Major Firefighting Operation
The fire was brought under control through the combined efforts of fire units from the Colombo, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, and Kotte Municipal Councils, along with more than 10 fire vehicles from the Horana Urban Council.
The Sri Lanka Air Force, Army, and Police also provided assistance during the emergency response.
At the time of the incident, more than 80 employees were working at the factory.
Police said comprehensive investigations into the cause of the fire and other related matters are continuing.
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