Is Habitation in the Hill Country Safe?- Sajith questions

By Yohan Perera   

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday questioned whether the Central Hill Country is suitable for human habitation in the context of the current climate situation, and urged the authorities to conduct a comprehensive geological survey to assess the issue.   

Speaking at a public meeting in Aranayake in the Kegalle District, Premadasa stressed that ensuring sustainable livelihoods for people living in the Central Hills is equally important. He also highlighted the need to resolve long-standing land issues faced by residents in the area.   

“I have been able to identify many problems faced by the people of the Central Hills. Therefore, I urge the government to carry out a geological survey to determine whether the region is suitable for habitation. At the same time, it is essential to address livelihood concerns and land-related issues affecting the people,” he said.   

Premadasa also called on the government to proceed with the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Emphasizing Sri Lanka’s current situation, which he described as a post-disaster scenario, he underscored the need for a debt moratorium.   

He further stated that Sri Lanka should extend its debt repayment period beyond 2028.   

Commenting on the issue of  habitation in the hill country, Geologist Professor Kapila Dassanayake previously stated that there is no fundamental issue with allowing people to live in safe areas within the Central Hills.   

However, he cautioned that landslide vulnerability increases with higher rainfall frequency.“Landslides are more likely to occur when an area receives between 100 and 200 millimeters of rainfall within a short period, such as an hour,” Professor Dassanayake explained.