Dec 03, Colombo: The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) of Sri Lanka has identified zones that are prone to landslides in several districts of the country.

The NBRO said it has identified 68 zones that can be susceptible to landslides in Matale, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Districts.

Chief Geologist of anti-landslide branch of the NBRO, R.M.S. Bandara has told the media that the identified zones are around Padiyapelella town, Garediella in Nuwara Eliya and the Peradeniya area.

He has added that more land slide-prone zones are in Matale, Kandy, Badulla and Nuwara Eliya Districts and that they will be given priority when preparing relevant projects.

Projects are to be implemented in the Kegalle, Ratnapura and Kalutara as the third step.

However, Bandara has said the organization has taken necessary measures to minimize the landslide threats in the identified zones.

Landslides caused by recent heavy rains prompted evacuation of 364 people from their homes in the Nuwara Eliya district.