• Barrels  containing chemicals were said to have exploded as a result of the fire

By Dharshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya and Budddika Kumarasiri  

Two factories including a chemical storage plant at Katuwana Industrial Zone were destroyed by a fire last night. 

One factory that caught fire was DIC Lanka Ltd manufacturing plant. Six fire fighting vehicles from the Horana Urban Council and Homagama Muncipal Council were dispatched immediately to control the fire.   

The soldiers attached to the Panagoda Army Camp,Homagama Police together with the residents in the area controlled the fire. Army personal were deployed to ensure security in the area Panic set in when flames were observed from two factories illuminating the night sky. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.