Salawa: 'Relocation never materialised'

by Manjula Fernando

In the aftermath of the Kosgama catastrophe where rains of Artillery and RPGs destroyed homes and buildings, the government launched a three prong investigation to probe into the fire at the Salawa Army camp and subsequent explosions in the ammunition dump. Investigators have so far found no evidence of sabotage or terror links, however, such possibilities are not ruled out, said Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi.

Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi Pic: Susantha Wijegunasekera

Interviewed by the Sunday Observer, he insisted that they would not jump to conclusions as to what may have caused the fire at the armoury.

The Defence Secretary said the investigations will also examine the possibility of having LTTE or Islamic State links as well as ascertain the truth behind rumours that the incident could be an act of sabotage. However, Hettarachchi blatantly rejected the suggestions that the 'camp-inferno' was orchestrated to create friction between the masses and the security forces. The excerpts of the interview:

Q: Have you any idea as to what may have caused the Salawa Army camp explosions ? Are you ruling out foul play?

A: The investigations are still being conducted. We are yet to know the conclusions arrived at by the CID, as well as the court of inquiry appointed by me. When they wrap up investigations, I may have answers to your questions. We don't discount or rule out any of the possibilities. It may be an act of sabotage or some other reason. It is too early to confirm anything, but we are keeping an open mind.

Q: So far have you come up with any evidence to indicate or believe it was an act of sabotage?

No, we have not got any indication, or information to suggest sabotage. There are rumours, which the investigators will look into, to find out the basis of such rumours.

Q: Did the fire and explosions at the Salawa camp actually occur during a fire drill as reported before ?

No, it was not during a fire drill. But, security drills take place every morning and evening within the camp. It was close to the time of security drills that the incident had taken place.

Q: Have you been able to quantify the damage, how many buildings were destroyed within the camp and outside, as well as how many businesses were affected due to the calamity?

The valuations are under way. The Disaster Management Ministry and the Government Agents are leading the surveys.

Q: What is the cost of the damage to the ammunition stock at the camp ?

I haven't got any reports as yet. We are conducting investigations to assess the damage. A final report is expected soon.

Q: The destroyed armoury consisted of expired ammunition, or were they to be re-sold?

I do not have that information yet, we have to get it from the Army Commander. Anyway, they may not release such sensitive information to the media due to security reasons.

Q: Were ammuniation recovered from the LTTE also stored at this camp ?

There was no LTTE ammunition, it was all military ammunition.

Q: From what we gather, there has been advice since 2012, to relocate the armouries in less populated areas. Why was there a delay to translate these into action?

There were some discussions to relocate the armouries, including the Salawa ammo dump, sometime after the war, in 2011 or 2012, and proposals had been made.

At the time, it was to be shifted to Oyamaduwa. However, they were never implemented, no tangible action was taken by the then administration.

Q: Are you seeking foreign expertise to investigate the incident ?

So far we have not decided to consult any foreign experts.

Q: The military said there was only 10% ammunititon left at the time of explosion at the Salawa Army camp. Is this a correct statement?

As far as I know 50% of the stockpile at the camp had been shifted to another place at the time the explosions took place.

Q: Have you ruled out any LTTE, Islamic State (IS) or other terror link to the fire and explosions at the armory?

I don't think so. But, I cannot say anything definite at this point since investigations are still continuing. We are keeping an open mind, sabotage and terrorist links are things the investigators will delve into. Nothing will be ruled out. If we find any terrorist links we will disclose the truth to the people.

Q: There are claims that the ammunition dump was set on fire and that it was a well- intended plot to set the public and the military against each other, that these are enemy tactics at play. Your comments?

The Government has restored the freedom of expression. People are free to say anything. But I must say these are baseless allegations. I totally reject that there was any such move by anyone or any party. People say various things about me also. They are preposterous allegations.

Q: It was claimed, the Army top brass did not permit the CID or the Government Analyst Department officials to enter the explosion site within the camp, till last Sunday (June 12). It has been viewed by some as a suspicious move to tamper with the evidence or delay the investigations. Your comments?

In the first few days there were sudden explosions from time to time within the camp, the explosions were reported even after three days of the fire. It was dangerous to let people go in. But now the site has cooled down and there is no threat.

I don't know exactly when the CID was allowed in, but initially, there was a threat to life and as such, no one was allowed near the explosion site.

Q: Another claim is that there was no log entry of the Salawa ammunition dump. As a result an accurate damage assessment or a costing is not possible. Is that correct?

It is also another baseless claim and the Army is in a better position to answer that question.

Q: The people in Salawa paid dearly for the lapses on the part of the authorities, any discussions to expedite the relocation even after the Kosgama calamity?

We have had discussions to that effect. At present we are consulting the Tri-forces on how to get on with it. We have updated the President, as Commnader-in-Chief and Defence Minister. We have informed him that we need to take immediate action to relocate some of the dumps, even the one in Veyangoda.

I have instructed the Tri forces commanders to look into the issue and come up with their proposals soon. Relocating such ammunition, including their transport, requires special arrangements to avoid accidents, etc.

Q: Have you decided on a criteria to compensate damaged households and businesses, and how much will be paid to revive an affected business and a residential building?

That does not come under my purview. It is handled by the Disaster Management Ministry and the Government Agents.

We will help in the reconstruction work. Currently, all three Armed Forces are involved in the reconstruction and repair of state and private buildings.

Q: Have you set a time frame to conclude the reconstruction work?

We have our own plan of action and the work will be carried out according to that plan. There are some houses that need to be completely rebuilt, beginning from scratch.

They will take a longer period. The time depends on the needs of individual house owners. Our idea is to build them a home, not just another house.

Therefore, the owners' ideas and aspirations will be taken into account. Hence, it is very difficult to give a time frame.

The people have spoken, they don't want to move out of the affected area. They want to go back to the places where their houses stood.

Within the budget allocated by the government we will strive to do our best to accommodate their wishes.