NBRO issues official warning following landslide hazards
The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has conducted an inspection in the Sripada area following the landslides reported soon after the start of the 2025/26 Sripada pilgrimage season.
Their findings show serious ground instability along parts of the Hatton access route, particularly near the Mahagiri Damba section.
NBRO has issued the following advisory and technical recommendations:
🧠NBRO Observations & Recommendations
A special NBRO expert team visited the site on 02 December 2025 to assess the unstable slope conditions. Based on their initial observations, they recommend the following actions to reduce immediate risk:
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Rebuild damaged steps and unstable sections using concrete or random rubble masonry. These structures should be securely anchored to the bedrock with dowels.
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Construct side retaining walls (approx. 300 mm high) along both sides of the steps to prevent water from flowing into the collapsed section.
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Seal all cracks in unstable rock surfaces using a cement mixture to prevent further movement.
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Build a 500 mm high retaining wall on the lower side of the path to stop soil erosion and water flow across the trail.
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Carefully remove overhanging plants, shrubs, and loose soil located above the collapsed section.
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Remove unstable vegetation and loose material on both sides of the landslide area.
đźš· Public Advisory
NBRO strongly advises that pilgrims should not use the Hatton access route until these risk-reduction measures are completed.
However, limited access may be allowed only for:
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Essential services
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Important religious rituals (such as carrying sacred items)
Such movements should happen with proper lighting at night and with extreme caution due to ongoing slope instability.
Once the recommended stabilisation work is completed, the Hatton route will be reopened for normal pilgrim use.
Source:
Sabaragamuwa Provincial Governor’s Official Facebook Page
Sameera Marapperuma
In the past few days, Sri Lanka experienced severe and destructive weather conditions. Because of this, an unfortunate disaster occurred near Ahelakanuwa on the Sri Pada – Hatton route, causing significant damage to the surrounding roadway.
However, within just 2–3 days, the path was fully restored and made safe again for pilgrims to travel without any issues. This was made possible thanks to the dedicated and hardworking soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army. 🙏
Because of their quick action, the Sri Pada pilgrimage season was able to begin smoothly on the Full Moon Poya Day of December 04.
👉👉 Also, please remember not to throw any garbage inside the Sri Pada forest reserve.
Do not harm this sacred environment with waste.
If you saw the destruction caused at Ahelakanuwa, you would understand the consequences of careless actions.
Let only those who respect nature—and leave behind not even a toffee wrapper—climb Sri Pada with true devotion. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Sameera Marapperuma
Hatton–Nallathanniya Road Closed; Police Issue New Guidance for Pilgrims
The Hatton–Nallathanniya road has been temporarily closed due to ongoing construction work along the Sri Pada route.
A short while ago, the Sri Lankan Police announced that pilgrims travelling to Sri Pada via Nallathanniya can use the bypass road to Idikatupana, which connects from the Nallathanniya road to the Ratnapura road. From there, pilgrims can reach the upper courtyard (Uda Maluwa) safely through the Ratnapura route.
đź“Ś Important:
Do not use the Sadagalathenna road. It is unsafe and can cause serious danger, as this path lies above the "Needle" section of the mountain.
Sameera Marapperuma
