Hambantota residents with homes in hilly areas of this southern coastal district live in danger of landslides and falling rocks, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Building and Research Organisation. The study identified Rammalakanda, Dehigahena, Saputhanthrikanda, Miriswattekanda and Mapitakanda as potentially dangerous areas.
Rammalakanda and Saputhanthrikanda were marked as dangerous areas as far back as 1969, but no action was taken by the authorities until 2003, when massive landslides caused 14 deaths and widespread destruction. Several buildings, including a school, Saputhanthrikanda Vidyalaya, were destroyed. Residents in the areas live in constant fear of a recurrence of such disasters. One of the main causes of landslides is erosion, as the forest cover on mountains disappears with tree felling and clearance operations. Social workers in Rammalakanda say these areas, which include forest reserve areas, are subject to earth slides in times of heavy rains.
Saputhanthrikanda resident W. A. M. Kumuduni said human activity was the main cause of the ongoing erosion process. “People settled under colonising schemes are haphazardly clearing forests and causing great damage to the environment,” she said. “This results in soil erosion. The authorities are conducting research in order to raise public awareness of the dangers.”
Farmer W. A. M. Girigoris said only a minority of the residents realised the seriousness of the situation.“Disaster management committees are carrying out awareness-raising programmes in vulnerable areas, but the majority of the people are not prepared to leave their home areas,” he said.
Residents of Dehigahahenakanda said erosion of hillsides was especially acute during the monsoon season. Disaster management committee member K. A. Sumith said a public awareness programme launched with the help of the divisional secretariat included disaster management training. Residents have been advised to evacuate to the historic Siththamgalnewa Raja Maha Vihara or other safe locations, if there were signs of an imminent landslide.
Ven. Udugampola Chandrasiri Thero, chief incumbent of the Rammala jungle monastery, said landslides in the Rammalkanda range were recorded as far back as the time of Queen Sugala, who fled to the south during a South-Indian invasion.
Hambantota district management centre spokesman B. S. Pieris said residents in areas vulnerable to landslides and falling rocks have been provided with first-aid equipment and training.
Citing a report made by the National Building and Research Organisation, Assistant District Secretary J. S. P. Jayamaha said residents who had lived for generations in the area and were not prepared to leave their ancestral villages have been advised to be alert and cautious.
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