The Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply has confirmed the Government is engaged in discussions on a possible revision of the National Physical Plan.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy subject Minister T.B. Sarath said that changes would be considered if new scientific data warranted such revisions. “If any changes are required based on new scientific data, we will have to proceed with them,” he said.

He added the current situation is unprecedented for Sri Lanka and may necessitate adjustments to the existing plan. “This is a situation Sri Lanka has never faced before, and changes to the National Physical Plan may be necessary. Once initial discussions within the Government are concluded, we will engage relevant experts and carry out the required additions and revisions."

The discussions follow concerns raised in a national audit report and by other stakeholders. A recent report by the National Audit Office revealed that the National Building Research Organisation has identified more than 84,000 houses, shops, schools, and religious buildings located in high-risk landslide zones. The report also noted that a significant portion of high-risk areas remains unmapped.