The longest landslide in Sri Lanka was investigated and solutions for resettlements were recommended by the Staff and Students of the Department of Geology and Postgraduate Institute of Science
Following Cyclone Dithwa, staff members of the Department of Geology, University of Peradeniya, together with undergraduate students of the Department, and postgraduate students of MSc in Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology from the Postgraduate Institute of Science, conducted a one-day rapid landslide assessment mission in the Minipe Divisional Secretariat Division on 25 January 2026, upon the invitation of the Divisional Secretary, Mrs. Chamila Wijerathne.
The mission was carried out jointly with the National Building Research Institute (NBRI) and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), in collaboration with officers of the Divisional Secretariat, Sri Lanka Police, Grama Niladharis, and local community members. Fourteen expert teams were deployed to investigate active and potential landslides, assess cyclone-related damage, and provide on-site risk evaluations and recommendations, enabling the immediate resolution of over 60% of reported issues and allowing many affected residents to safely resume daily activities.
Beyond addressing urgent geohazard concerns, the multidisciplinary engagement identified critical slope instability and drainage-related issues across several villages while strengthening the practical capacity of Divisional Secretariat officers and other government stakeholders to recognize early warning signs of landslides and respond effectively to future hazards. This initiative reflects the Department of Geology’s longstanding national role in applied geoscience, disaster risk reduction, professional training, and the promotion of science-based decision-making to enhance long-term institutional and community resilience.
