• Dep. Min. T.B. Sarath says people now understand perils of building/construction activities in hazardous areas 
• NBRO issuing pre-return inspection-based recomms. per DSs priority lists  

The Housing, Construction and Water Supply Ministry is preparing to engage the general public in discussions regarding the permanent relocation of individuals from hazardous areas officially identified as risky by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).

Deputy Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister, T.B. Sarath told The Daily Morning that the recent disaster of a cyclone and related floods and landslides, which has wrought widespread havoc, both on a human and material scale, has brought about a grave realisation of the situation’s gravity and severity in the mind of the public. "With that realisation, the Government is going to discuss with the public not to return to the risky areas," he stated, adding the authorities are in the process of identifying alternative locations for relocation.

This initiative follows urgent warnings from scientists from the NBRO. On Monday (01), a senior scientist at the NBRO, Dr. Wasantha Senadeera stressed that residents from highly vulnerable zones - particularly those now residing in temporary safe locations - must remain in place until officials provide clear guidance and confirm safety for return. He appealed to those who previously lived in severely unsafe conditions and locations to continue staying at the evacuation centres and safe shelters.

The NBRO meanwhile confirmed that it is actively issuing recommendations for areas damaged by floods and landslides, based on a priority list from the relevant District Secretaries (DSs). Speaking to The Daily Morning, Dr. Senadeera elaborated on the current efforts: "By this time, all our officers of the NBRO are actively working in the affected areas.’’ He also noted specific guidance for displaced residents. He pointed out that people who left their homes purely on suspicion of a landslide - without signs of visible cracks or related evidence - can safely return as the risk gradually decreases. However, he issued a stern warning to those who have observed clear signs of cracking or severe signs of potential landslides, advising them not to return. This caution is based on Meteorological Department predictions of expected rainfall in the coming days. Dr. Senadeera warned that if these already-compromised areas receive rainfall of 100 millilitres or more, the locations could once again become extremely dangerous.