16th June 2025 22:53:31 Hours
In response to a request from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura to the Disaster Management Centre and under the guidance of Commander of the Army, 14 Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Response Regiment deployed a specialized response team on 16 June 2025 to address a suspected chemical leak at the university's microbiological laboratory with the technical support of the National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) and cooperated with Colombo Fire Brigade.
The university authorities had observed a strong odor emanating from the laboratory while opening on 16 June 2025, raising concerns about the possible presence of hazardous chemicals. Given the uncertainty surrounding the nature of the leaked substances and the potential risks to students and other staff members, immediate intervention was necessary.
A response team consisting with 2 x 12 troops was dispatched to the site to secure the area while minimizing disruption to university operations. Based on an initial assessment, it has observed that a chemical leakage on the floor and contaminated with some boxes. Additionally, the team removed all the contaminated boxes to outside and stored all other chemicals in other storage liaising with members of Colombo Fire Brigade. The swift and professional response by the 14 CBRNE Response Regiment ensured the safety of university personnel and the surrounding community while effectively managing the suspected chemical spill. The unit remains committed to responding to hazardous material incidents and ensuring public safety in collaboration with relevant authorities.
