Talks on paying compensation to victims draw no response from gas companies

A report published by the presidential committee appointed to investigate the cause of explosions had confirmed the reason was due to a change in the gas composition.

The government has held talks with gas companies with a view to paying compensation to victims of the several cylinder explosions that shook the nation last year, but the two companies are yet to respond.

The Consumer Protection State Ministry said Litro Gas and Laugfs had been told that victims of more than 800 cylinder explosions should be sufficiently compensated.

"We have told them to look into the extent of damage caused including loss of lives, injuries and damage to property and compensate appropriately" State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna said.

Asked what measures the government could take if the two companies refused to comply, the ministry said there were difficulties in taking legal action due to the absence of regulations regarding the composition of cooking gas in cylinders.

A report published by the presidential committee appointed to investigate the cause of explosions had confirmed the reason was due to a change in the gas composition.

Laboratory tests have pointed out that increasing the composition of the industrial gas propane above the 30% ratio was the cause.

With no concrete steps taken by the government to pay compensation, the victims have joined hands to form an ad hoc group -- the All Island Consumers Collective -- to seek justice.

The group has vowed to take legal action against the companies. Already a letter of demand has been delivered to Litro Gas by Disna Shirani, who suffered injuries in a gas cylinder explosion.

Samgi Jana Balavegaya legal secretary Tisath Wijegunewardena said a letter of demand claiming Rs. 500 million was sent to Litro Gas two weeks ago, but the company had not responded yet.

Four other victims have come forward to file action against the companies.