NBRO criticized for ‘unrealistic’ landslide reports in Kandy

• Minister accused NBRO officials of producing reports that frighten residents without justification

By Shane Senevirate  

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) faced severe criticism from the Kandy District Coordinating Committee for issuing what officials described as “unrealistic” reports that unnecessarily alarmed the public.   

The Committee convened yesterday at the Kandy District Secretariat, chaired by Minister K.D. Lalkantha, to review the matter. The Minister accused NBRO officials of producing reports that frighten residents without justification, noting that one recommendation implied the entire Kandy district should be shifted to the dry zone.   

Following NBRO recommendations, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) had instructed the District Secretary to evacuate residents from 20 high-risk divisions and relocate them to safer shelters. Divisional Secretaries reported that these instructions created panic and fear among the communities.   

In response, NBRO officials defended their reports, stating they were prepared in accordance with internationally accepted criteria for landslide risk assessment.   

Minister Lalkantha and the District Secretary advised NBRO to specify endangered locations more precisely and submit revised reports to ensure accurate and actionable guidance for disaster management.