According to NBRO Director General Eng. Dr. Asiri Karunawardena, inspections carried out in the Nuwara Eliya and Matale districts after recent adverse weather conditions revealed that a number of school premises are directly exposed to landslide hazards. He said engineering-based mitigation measures are required to stabilize some of these locations, while alternative decisions must be taken for schools where such interventions are not feasible.
Dr. Karunawardena noted that steps have already been taken to inform relevant education authorities about schools that cannot be adequately protected using engineering technology. Meanwhile, schools that can be safeguarded are being prepared for stabilization work.
He also stated that a quality assessment inspection has confirmed that, apart from the Hasalaka area, no other schools in the Kandy district are currently at risk of landslides.
The findings are part of a comprehensive assessment conducted on 160 schools across the Central Province. The final research report has been handed over to the Minister of Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Dr. Karunawardena stressed that it is now the responsibility of the Ministry of Education to implement the recommendations outlined in the report.
He added that high-risk schools are presently undergoing further review, and updated decisions regarding their future have already been communicated to the Ministry of Education, underscoring the urgency of ensuring student safety in landslide-prone areas.
