One lane of Kandy-Colombo road at Pahala Kadugannawa reopened for traffic - RDA

One lane of the Kandy-Colombo main road near Pahala Kadugannawa has been reopened, the Road Development Authority (RDA) has announced.

The Pahala Kadugannawa section of the Kandy-Colombo main road was completely closed for several days following the landslide that occurred on November 22.

Yesterday, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) submitted a report containing recommendations on immediate measures and long-term solutions for the site following the landslide in Pahala Kadugannawa to the Kegalle District Secretary, the Mawanella Divisional Secretary and the Road Development Authority (RDA).

Senior Geologist Laksiri Indrathilaka attached to the NBRO said that there is a possibility of reopening the road once the recommendations in the report are implemented.

However, he noted that ongoing adverse weather conditions have hampered the restoration activities.

He noted that officers faced difficulties to physically survey the area and therefore the NBRO conducted surveys using LiDAR and drone technology. Based on these surveys, steps were initiated yesterday to prepare plans for the long-term stabilization of the site.

Indrathilaka further stated that long-term stabilization activities are expected to be planned in consultation with relevant authorities and will be implemented after necessary approvals are obtained.

A total of six persons died following the landslide that occurred in Pahala Kadugannawa while four others sustained injuries.

Following the incident, a section of the Kandy-Colombo road was closed for traffic to facilitate restoration work and on safety grounds.

Police and authorities also issued alternative roads to the public to travel to Kandy and Colombo.