Security Tightened at Krissh Building in Colombo After Multiple Fires Raise Concerns
Security at the Krissh Building in Colombo has been significantly heightened following a series of fires that broke out within the span of just one week. The high-rise, which has been at the center of controversy due to financial and legal disputes, has now become the site of safety concerns after two separate fires were reported in early February 2025.
The Fires: What Happened?
The first fire occurred on the 35th floor of the building on February 6, 2025, and was followed by another fire the next day, on the 24th floor, on February 7, 2025. Initial reports suggest that gas cutters, used to cut iron for construction purposes, were the cause of the fires. The process of cutting iron often involves sparks that can easily ignite flammable materials, particularly in an environment where the building is still under construction, with exposed materials and partially completed installations.
Given the high-rise structure of the Krissh Building, which is set to house commercial spaces, luxury residences, and retail areas, the fires have raised serious questions about the safety measures in place at the site, especially considering that it remains unfinished.
Challenges Faced by the Fire Department
The Colombo Fire Department, despite their swift response to the fires, faced significant challenges in accessing the affected floors. The building, still under construction, is only partially occupied and remains largely abandoned due to ongoing financial and legal issues surrounding the project. The lack of access points, combined with the incomplete nature of the building’s infrastructure, made it difficult for fire personnel to reach the exact locations of the fires.
“The fire department had to navigate through a maze of construction debris and unfinished stairwells, which slowed down their response time,” said an official from the Colombo Fire Department. “The building’s incomplete state and the lack of proper evacuation routes made the situation more complicated.”
This is particularly concerning, as the building’s design is intended to accommodate high-end office spaces and luxury apartments, which, once completed, could house hundreds of occupants.
The Impact of Financial and Legal Issues
The Krissh Building’s ongoing issues with financial mismanagement and legal battles have led to prolonged delays in its completion. Originally intended to be a shining symbol of Sri Lanka’s burgeoning real estate market, the project now sits partially finished, its future uncertain.
The partnership between Indian real estate mogul Arvind Kumar and Sri Lankan businessman Pradeep Silva—who once envisioned the project as a flagship investment—has been mired in allegations of fraud and misappropriation of funds. With legal battles continuing between the two businessmen and construction work halted at critical phases, the Krissh Building has become a symbol of corporate failure.
The abandoned state of the building means that critical safety measures, such as fire alarms, sprinklers, and accessible exits, may not have been fully implemented or tested. This lack of preparedness has compounded the danger posed by the recent fires.
Tightened Security Measures
In response to the fires, security around the Krissh Building has been dramatically increased. Local authorities have deployed additional personnel to monitor the site, and access to the building has been restricted to authorized personnel only. The perimeter of the building has been cordoned off, with heavy security checks implemented for anyone entering or leaving the construction zone.
The Fire Department has also requested the building’s owners to expedite safety assessments, including an inspection of electrical wiring, fire hazards, and the structural integrity of the building. “We are working closely with the developers and local authorities to ensure the building is safe,” said a spokesperson from the Colombo Fire Department. “The building is under construction, and as such, we will need to ensure all aspects of fire safety are thoroughly examined and brought up to code.”
Implications for Future Development
Previously It was pointed out that construction aid equipment at the site could collapse due to the wind and the site also posed as a breeding site for mosquitos. Officials pointed out the risk of dengue fever being spread due to accumulation of water, especially as 03 floors of this building are located underground. They added that several leading tourist hotels in the vicinity have also complained in this regard
The repeated incidents of fire and the current state of the Krissh Building raise serious questions about the viability of its completion. Local investors and international stakeholders, who had shown interest in the project, are now growing wary of the building’s future.
The Sri Lankan real estate market, which had seen a surge in development over the past decade, could be adversely affected by these incidents, particularly as concerns over building safety, financial stability, and project management continue to grow. If the Krissh Building is unable to resolve its issues, it may tarnish Colombo’s reputation as an emerging hub for real estate investment.
return to full-scale construction is in question. A combination of cultural misalignments, financial fraud, and now safety concerns in the wake of the fires has left many wondering whether the Krissh Building will ever meet its initial promises.
In the coming weeks, the focus will be on the results of ongoing investigations into the fires and whether the building’s developers can meet the necessary safety standards. With the public and international investors watching closely, the Krissh Building will need to address these concerns quickly in order to salvage its reputation and the future of its development.
