NBRO Technical Advice Now Mandatory for Development Projects in High-Risk Areas

A new special act has been issued, making it mandatory for all government institutions to obtain technical advice from the National Building and Research Organization (NBRO) for any public or private development projects they undertake.

Key Provisions of the New Act:

• Mandatory Advice: The directive, issued under Parliament Act No. 20-21 of 2025, requires both local government approval and NBRO technical advice, especially for projects in areas susceptible to disasters like landslides and rockfalls.

• Project Ban: No construction project will be allowed in identified high-risk zones without a prior technical investigation by the NBRO.

• Purpose: The act aims to minimize disaster risks caused by human activities such as unauthorized excavations, deforestation, trench cutting, and construction in floodplains.

• Compliance: All relevant authorities, including municipal councils, the Urban Development Authority, the Central Environmental Authority, and the Road Development Authority, are required to comply with this order as law.

Laksiri Indrathilaka, Senior Geologist at NBRO, noted that the organization has identified 250 high-risk locations where approximately 15,000 families currently reside, many in unauthorized constructions. The act is intended to strengthen disaster risk management and ensure future development in vulnerable areas is safe and responsible.

Source: https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/breaking-news/NBRO-technical-advice-now-mandatory-for-all-development-projects-in-high-risk-areas/108-326201