The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) has announced plans to carry out a re-scientific survey of 262 quarries located in landslide-affected areas following Cyclone Ditwah.

GSMB Director General Deepani Weerakoon said quarries identified as high-risk will have their mining licenses suspended immediately. Two quarries in the Matale district have already been suspended.

Of the quarries under review, 127 are in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Matale districts, while 135 are in Kegalle and Ratnapura. 

The re-survey will be conducted jointly by experts from the GSMB and the National Building Research Organization (NBRO).

The bureau also plans to enforce stricter procedures for issuing mining permits and make NBRO recommendations mandatory to ensure public safety and reduce landslide risks.