• Policy to remain unchanged until NBRO completes assessment of new technology

The Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply stated that it would not revise its policy prohibiting construction in hazardous areas until the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) completes investigations into the suitability of new disaster-resistant building technologies for use in Sri Lanka.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy subject Minister T.B. Sarath said that the Government is awaiting a technical assessment by the NBRO before considering any policy changes. “Until the NBRO carries out the necessary investigations to determine whether this technology can be safely applied in hazardous areas in our country and reaches a conclusion on its suitability, there is no plan to change the Government’s position of strictly prohibiting construction in such areas,” he said.

The clarification comes amid public discussion following the NBRO’s announcement that a Japanese expert is due to arrive in Sri Lanka to collaborate on the application of smart engineering methods for slope stabilisation in landslide-prone zones. Other countries, including France, have also offered assistance by deploying structural engineers to help introduce disaster-resistant technologies.

The Government first announced its firm stance in December, 2025, stating that no permission would be granted for unauthorised construction in designated hazardous zones, citing risks to public safety and environmental stability. Concerns over the practicality of a blanket ban have persisted, particularly after the NBRO identified landslide risks in 14 districts across Sri Lanka, with nearly 30% of the country’s land area classified as landslide-prone.