Public must obtain NBRO approval before constructing buildings in earth slip zones

 It has been made compulsory for the public to obtain a certificate from the National Building Research Institute before constructing buildings in earth slip prone areas.  This decision was taken by the National Council for Disaster Management recently.
 Authorities of the local government bodies and the Urban Development Authority have been vested in powers to prepare suitable legislature to this effect.
Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe says this decision was taken to systematize the development activities in these areas. Human activities have resulted in landslides in a number of hilly areas across the island.
The National Council for Disaster Management has also decided to set up a separate fund for disaster management to allocate funds for district secretariats on emergency situations.
Minister Samarasinghe said each district secretary will receive a 500 thousand rupee financial provision on an emergency situation.