Sri Lanka President Dissanayake to Establish New Authority for Central Highlands Protection After 4,000 Landslides

By Lions Roar News Environmental Desk

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (Thursday, January 22, 2026) — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced a decisive plan to establish a new integrated legal structure to secure and reforest the Central Highlands. The initiative follows the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditva, which triggered nearly 4,000 landslides across the region.

The President unveiled the plan during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Secretariat with representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and key state and private sector officials.

🚨 Emergency in the Highlands: A National Crisis

Experts at the meeting emphasized that the unprecedented scale of the landslides was caused by a combination of extreme weather and decades of structural neglect.

The Cause: Long-term irregular construction, unsustainable agricultural practices, and a lack of proper maintenance were identified as primary factors that exacerbated the landslide risks during the cyclone.
The Damage: With nearly 4,000 recorded landslides, the ecological and structural integrity of the Central Highlands—the nation’s primary water catchment area—is currently at critical risk.
The Solution: President Dissanayake instructed officials to fast-track the creation of a National Policy and a specialized Authority empowered by law to oversee the protection and reforestation of the region.

🤝 International Backing: ADB and UNDP Commit Support

Global development partners expressed their full support for Sri Lanka’s restoration efforts, highlighting the need for a dedicated financial fund to manage the long-term project.

Key Figures in Attendance:

Cholpon Mambetova: Country Director, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Azusa Kubota: Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Senior Specialists: Representatives from agriculture, natural resources, and housing ministries.

The ADB and UNDP pledged to provide both technical expertise and financial assistance, stressing that preserving the Central Highlands is a legacy-defining task for future generations.

📊 Restoration Roadmap: Central Highlands 2026

Action Pillar	Objectives	Stakeholders
New Authority	Legal enforcement of land-use laws	Government of Sri Lanka
Reforestation	Stabilizing slopes & restoring biodiversity	UNDP & Dept. of Forests
Financial Fund	Sustaining long-term recovery costs	ADB & International Donors
National Policy	Banning irregular construction in high-risk zones	Urban Development Authority