Well oozing kerosene baffles residents

By Romesh Madusanka   

 A drinking well in Pudukudiruppu in Mullaitivu containing water mixed with kerosene has become the cynosure of the people in the area. On information from the owner of the well, Pudukudiruppu Police visited the scene and informed people not to use the well.   

Police have cordoned the area pending further investigations and informed the people not to frequent the location until investigations were over and not to use the well for any purpose.  
Police said a LTTE camp had been located in close proximity to the well and that a leak from an underground fuel storage would have resulted in the oozing kerosene into the well. A senior police official said steps would be taken to submit a report to the Mullaitivu Magistrate and carry out excavations in the surrounding area.   

The owner said the well had been abandoned for a long time and that he decided to clean and use it again. He said when he drew water he got the smell of kerosene. He said he immediately informed the Grama Niladhari and through him to the police

Police have cordoned the area pending further investigations and informed the people not to frequent the location until investigations were over and not to use the well for any purpose.  
Police said a LTTE camp had been located in close proximity to the well and that a leak from an underground fuel storage would have resulted in the oozing kerosene into the well. A senior police official said steps would be taken to submit a report to the Mullaitivu Magistrate and carry out excavations in the surrounding area.