A fire broke out in Crude Oil Tank No. 2 at the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery yesterday evening (10 September 2025). Following an emergency request, firefighting teams from the SLAF were promptly deployed to assist in containing and extinguishing the blaze.

Firefighters from SLAF Base Katunayake, SLAF Base Ratmalana, and SLAF Station Colombo, together with the respective Officers-in-Charge of Fire Sections, responded immediately with fire tenders. The operation was conducted under the directives of the Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Dhammika Dias. The Chief Fire Officer, Group Captain Hemantha Balasooriya, was present throughout the operation, while on-site firefighting efforts were directed by the Commanding Officer of the Fire School and Fire Tender Maintenance Squadron (FS&FTMS), Group Captain Chamil Hettiarachchi.

The response was a joint effort, with the Colombo Fire Brigade, Sri Lanka Army, and Sri Lanka Navy firefighting units also contributing to the mission. From yesterday evening until this morning (11 September 2025), firefighting teams worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control.

Additionally, the Internal Security Flight of SLAF Station Colombo provided crucial support, assisting the firefighting teams continuously throughout the operation. Aerial imagery captured via drone deployment further enhanced the response by enabling firefighters to adjust strategies and strengthen operational effectiveness.