Lal Kantha lashes out over lack of NBRO clarity
– Minister K.D. Lal Kantha expressed strong frustration, warning that Kandy “may even have to be relocated” amid continuing red-level landslide alerts issued by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).He said authorities are struggling to move ahead with restoration efforts in the Kandy District because the NBRO has yet to issue a clear green light confirming conditions are safe.The Minister’s comments come as landslide evacuation warnings remain in place across Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale.
According to the NBRO, more than 20 areas in Kandy alone are under a Level 3 red alert — the highest risk category.
“Although we were told schools could reopen, we might instead have to bring more people into schools as shelters, not reopen them,” a visibly agitated Lal Kantha told reporters.He said extensive discussions have already taken place, with eight teams deployed on the ground — a number that may have to be increased as the situation worsens.
“We even considered seeking international assistance. We must decide where to relocate people, whether schools can stay as shelters, and when normal activities can resume. But we are unable to take any firm decision without clear guidelines from the NBRO,” he said.“We can’t relocate all 20 divisional secretariats. But we’ve asked for certain areas to be prioritized.” Lal Kantha further stressed that divisional coordination committees must now meet regularly, alongside district-level committees, due to their expanded responsibilities in restoring normalcy after the disaster.
