Fire at Museus Hall ... done on purpose by pouring kerosene oil!
The most modern auditorium of Colombo Museus College supposed to be the biggest auditorium of a school in the island was subjected to a fire last November 4th.
The auditorium which had been constructed so as to house 1600 persons with all modern units and
equipment went up in flames even before 5 years after its construction and it was later estimated that the damage caused amounted to a loss of about Rs. 40 crores. At the time of the incident as there had been pouring rain accompanied by thunder, opinions were expressed that the cause of the fire was suspected as a thunderbolt striking the auditorium resulting in an electrical leakage.
Whatever it is, about 3 months later after the accident the Government Analyst's report has now been released. What is stated there is that the fire which occured at the auditorium was not something that happened because of an electrical technical fault or at random but a case of arson by pouring kerosene oil on the stage of the auditorium. The Cinnamon Gardens Police yesterday (16) reported to Colombo Fort Magistrate Courts that there is suspicion that this was a case of arson committed on purpose by an individual or group. The Government Analyst confirmed that kerosene oil had been splashed all over the auditorium. As such, the Magistrate ordered the police that an investigation be carried out in this connection and the suspects be immediately apprehended and produced before courts. The police have taken steps to look into the facts as to who really was interested in causing such damage and for what purpose and CCTv reports too are under surveillance. The investigators have mentioned that that they have got to know about a clue relating to a conflict that has flared up concerning the organising procedures of a festival which was to be conducted at the auditorium some days close to the incident. Inquiries are to be conducted in this connection too.
This building was erected by Museus College on personal philanthropic contributions collected by the school. This auditorium which was completed in the year 2011 was opened ceremoniously with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the chief guest, introducing the hall as the biggest auditorium in schools in Sri Lanka. The auditorium was enveloped in fire and a large number of seats and other equipment inclusive of electrical equipment were destroyed causing a loss of irrecoverable damage. To extinguish the fire in those circumstances the Colombo Fire and Rescue Department had to utilise the services of about 10 of their vehicles. A video showing proceedings on the day the auditorium was declared open, from below