Landslide Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies and Present Achievements in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A significant impact on the economy and the social context of Sri Lanka has been caused by hydro-meteorologically induced landslides. Though many organizations are working on landslide studies, National Building Research Organization (NBRO) is the key organization that involves in landslide research and risk reduction programs in Sri Lanka. This paper discusses about the present strategies set to reduce the landslide risk and the present achievements. Landslide risk reduction process has been strategized in number of ways which follow basic guidelines of disaster management. The strategic plan developed by NBRO includes following main components/activities; such as identification, awareness, early warning, mitigation and low enforcement. Implementation of those strategies have resulted Landslide Hazard Zonation Maps through Landslide Hazard Zonation Mapping Program, establishment of real time early warning system, declaring landslide prone areas and introducing land clearance process and successful completion of landslide mitigation projects with improvement of technological knowledge. Keywards: Landslides and land subsidence in Sri Lanka, central highland, NBRO, landslide risk reduction strategies, present achievements