Measures to further strengthen landslide risk reduction initiatives in vulnerable areas across Sri Lanka took centre stage at the 9th Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting of the Reduction of Landslide Vulnerability by Mitigation Measures Project (RLVMMP), held at the Ministry of Defence.

Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), in his capacity as Chairman of the Project Steering Committee, presided over the meeting, which focused on reviewing project progress, addressing implementation challenges and identifying measures to enhance landslide risk mitigation efforts in vulnerable areas across the country.

Discussions placed particular emphasis on strengthening ongoing mitigation initiatives to reduce landslide vulnerability, improve the effectiveness of risk reduction measures and ensure their sustainability and long-term impact in high-risk areas, according to a statement by the Ministry of Defence.

The meeting also provided a platform for representatives of key government stakeholder institutions to exchange views on overcoming implementation challenges and enhancing coordination to support the successful implementation of the project.

The RLVMMP is implemented by the National Building Research Institute (NBRI), with funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Government of Sri Lanka. The project aims to reduce landslide vulnerability through mitigation measures, particularly in areas exposed to landslide risks.

The discussions underscored the importance of sustained efforts to strengthen landslide risk reduction initiatives and improve the long-term effectiveness of mitigation measures in protecting vulnerable communities across Sri Lanka.