An awareness programme for stakeholders and residents affected by the landslide-prone areas in Pahala Kadugannawa was held today (11) at the Kegalle District Secretariat Auditorium, under the chairmanship of Mr. K. G. Dharmathilaka, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, and Mr. K. G. S. Nishantha, Kegalle District Secretary.
The programme focused on the proposed stabilization measures to be implemented at the site to reduce the risk caused by the landslide that occurred along the Colombo–Kandy Main Road in the vicinity of kilometre posts 96 to 99 in Pahala Kadugannawa, as well as the future activities related to land acquisition under the Landslide Risk Mitigation Project through Stabilization Measures (RLVMMP).
According to the landslide hazard zone maps prepared by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), together with previous landslide incidents in the Pahala Kadugannawa area and the landslide conditions experienced during Cyclone Ditwa, the area extending from kilometre post 96 to kilometre post 99 along the Colombo–Kandy Road has already been identified as a high-risk zone.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Defence has planned to commence construction activities covering four zones in the identified areas under the Landslide Risk Mitigation Project through Stabilization Measures. The project is being implemented at a total estimated cost of US$ 101.3 million, comprising US$ 80 million in foreign loan assistance from AAIB and US$ 21.3 million contributed by the Government of Sri Lanka. The project is scheduled to be completed by December 2027.
Accordingly, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Defence explained the role and responsibilities of the Ministry in relation to the project. An overview of the Landslide Risk Mitigation Project through Stabilization Measures was presented by its Director, Engineer Mr. A. A. Viraj Dias. The project design was also presented by Engineer Dr. Mihira Lakruwan of the National Building Research Organisation.
The participants were further briefed on the environmental and social aspects of the project, as well as the proposed land acquisition programme presented by the Road Development Authority for the acquisition of lands involving high-risk houses affected by the project.
In parallel with the discussion, an opportunity was provided for residents and other affected persons in the area to present the issues they face and to obtain necessary solutions and clarifications regarding those matters.
Mr. Anura, Member of the Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha, Additional District Secretary (Lands) Mr. Dileep Nishantha, Mawanella Divisional Secretary Ms. Vijayani Ratnasekara, officials of the Landslide Risk Mitigation Project through Stabilization Measures, officials of government institutions directly involved in the project, and a number of residents and other affected persons from the Pahala Kadugannawa area participated in the programme.
