Part of Kandy–Colombo road declared high-risk zone: NBRO

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

The section between the 97th and 99th kilometre posts on the Kandy–Colombo road, in the Pahala Kadugannawa area of Ganethenna, had been declared a high-risk zone due to the possibility of rockfalls, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) said.   

NBRO senior scientist Wasantha Senadheera said vibrations caused by passing trains — as the railway line runs directly above the landslide-affected area — along with the removal of debris and rocks during railway maintenance work, have further destabilized the upper slope of the mountain. He said a formal report has already identified the area as highly vulnerable, and warnings have been issued to motorists and business operators in the vicinity.   

Rescue teams have recovered six bodies from the debris at the Pahala Kadugannawa landslide site. Four individuals who were injured during the incident were rescued and taken to hospital.   

The Colombo–Kandy main road was closed after a major rockfall and earth movement struck a shop and a house in the Ganethenna area. Several people had been inside the shop having tea at the time, while a parked car and van were also buried in the slide.   

The Sri Lanka Army, Police, fire brigade personnel and area residents jointly carried out rescue and recovery operations, despite the unstable conditions.   

Later, the police have asked motorists to use alternative routes as the Ganethenna section of the Colombo–Kandy road remains closed. The recommended alternative routes to Kandy are:   Colombo–Kurunegala–Kandy   

Colombo–Karadupana–Kandy   

Colombo–Mawanella–Hemmathagama–Rampola–Kandy   

Colombo–Mawanella–Ganewatta Junction–Kovil Kanda–Pilimathalawa–Kandy   

However, special transport arrangements have been made for students travelling to Kandy and Kadugannawa for the GCE Advanced Level examination scheduled for today (24). The Mawanella and Kadugannawa bus depots will operate safe transport services for candidates, the police said.   

The Kegalle District Secretary has urged the public to avoid visiting the landslide site, stressing that unnecessary crowds could hinder ongoing assessments. The NBRO also reiterated this request, emphasizing the importance of public safety in the high-risk area.