The section between the 97th and 99th kilometre posts on the Kandy–Colombo road in the Pahala Kadugannawa area had earlier been declared a high-risk zone due to the possibility of rockfalls, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) said.
The section between the 97th and 99th kilometre posts on the Kandy–Colombo road in the Pahala Kadugannawa area had earlier 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 from passing trains — as the railway line runs directly above the affected area — along with the removal of debris and rocks during maintenance work, have further destabilised the upper slope. He said a formal report had already identified the area as highly vulnerable, and warnings were issued to motorists and business operators nearby.
Rescue teams have recovered six bodies from the landslide site. Four injured individuals were rescued and taken to hospital.
The Colombo–Kandy main road was closed after a major rockfall and earth collapse struck a hotel shop and a nearby house in Ganethenna. Several people had been inside the shop having tea when the slide occurred, and a parked car and van were also buried.
The Sri Lanka Army, police, fire brigade personnel and area residents carried out rescue and recovery operations despite continuing instability in the area.
