NBRO clears Colombo–Kandy road at Pahala Kadugannawa

The Colombo–Kandy main road at Pahala Kadugannawa has been reopened to traffic following the implementation of temporary safety measures after recent landslides, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) said.

NBRO Director General Asiri Karunawardena warned that motorists must strictly follow advisories issued by the NBRO, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, as the area remains vulnerable to further slope instability.

He said preliminary investigations are now underway to design long-term engineering solutions to reduce landslide-related damage along the affected stretch. Drone technology has been used to identify high-risk zones, while detailed surveying is ongoing to collect essential technical data.

Karunawardena made these observations after a joint inspection of the Pahala Kadugannawa area by officials from the NBRO and the Road Development Authority (RDA) on Friday (27).

He added that planned mitigation measures include the removal of unstable rock formations, the controlled release of soil layers resting on bedrock, and the construction of retaining side walls in sections identified as unstable. These steps, he said, are aimed at stabilizing the slope, protecting critical road infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of road users.

Authorities reiterated that while the road is now open, conditions could change rapidly during adverse weather, and motorists are advised to remain vigilant.