Geotechnical body wants building activity in high-risk areas halted View(s):By Nidarshani WickramasingheThe National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has recommended that all construction projects be cleared from high-risk areas demarcated through boundary demarcation maps developed using satellite images following the landslides triggered by cyclone Ditwah in November. Sentinel-2 satellite images were used. The demarcation maps created from these satellite images have now been provided to national universities, the Disaster Management Centre, NBRO and relevant institutions. Once risk areas and high-risk areas are identified, corresponding actions are taken, Dr Senadeera said. The institute said that the number of landslides and natural disasters viewed through satellite data exceeds the numbers reported in the media.

Source: Sunday Times January 18, 2026 02:30 UTC