• DG notes primary threat due to rockfalls 
• Engineering solutions being employed
• Edu. Min. sends estimates on landslide safety measures to Nat. Planning Dept. 

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has assured that both immediate and long-term strategies are being implemented to protect the identified vulnerable schools in the Kandy District, clarifying that the majority of schools in the area have not been classified as being in red zone hazardous areas.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (9), the NBRO Director General (DG), engineer Dr. Asiri Karunawardena explained that most schools in the region are primarily threatened by rockfalls. He added that engineering solutions are being employed to mitigate potential disastrous consequences. "By now, the temporary measures to prevent such disastrous events have already been taken," he stated. "For the long-term solutions, much more planning is needed, and those plans are being made at the moment," he concluded. 

Meanwhile, the Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that the necessary estimates for long-term safety measures at schools vulnerable to landslides have been prepared and submitted to the National Planning Department (NPD). Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday, he said that several schools identified as being at risk require long-term interventions and that plans have already been forwarded to the NPD for consideration.

“In the long run, there are several schools that require comprehensive measures such as constructing safety walls and installing protective nets. Despite the risks identified in certain locations, teaching activities at the affected schools are continuing as usual for the time being."

According to information tabled in Parliament by Prime Minister and Education Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in response to a question raised by Opposition Parliamentarian, attorney Rauff Hakeem, at least 25 schools in the Kandy District have been identified as being vulnerable to landslides. The document presented to Parliament stated that the affected schools are located in the Gampola, Wattegama, Kandy and Teldeniya educational zones.

The education sector was among the most affected due to Cyclone Ditwah in November of last year (2025), with school buildings, classrooms and learning materials suffering significant damage. Premier Dr. Amarasuriya specifically noted that a number of schools in Denuwara were also marked for relocation due to the precarious nature of their current locations. Kandy has been identified as the District most damaged by Ditwah, and it is reported that 57 schools in the District have been partially damaged. The cyclone also had a direct impact on students, with some losing parents or guardians and many others losing textbooks, uniforms, exercise books and other essential learning materials.