The Hatton-Maskeliya and Hatton-Balangoda main road in the New Weligama area of Norwood police division, located above the Castlereigh reservoir, has sunk nearly 10 feet down this morning (15).

Reportedly, 05 houses nearby had also started to slide down to the Castlereigh reservoir as a result of the landslide.

Based on instructions issued by the National Building Research Corporation (NBRO), 23 individuals from five families residing in these houses were evacuated permanently due to potential landslides.

Norwood Police has taken measures to completely halt the vehicular movement on the relevant part of the road owing to the landslide activation in the area, and has instructed the motorists to use alternative routes for the time being.

The pedestrians have also been instructed to use the footpath across the tea plantation above the landslide-prone area.

It was reported that the residents of Norwood, Bogawantalawa, Maskeliya and Nallathanniya areas have been inconvenienced owing to the prevailing situation.

Minister of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development Palany Digambaram had arrived yesterday (14) for an inspection at the location and affirmed that the displaced families will be given houses established on lands belonging to the state in Norwood area.

The displaced families are reportedly residing at their respective relatives’ places for the time being.