Integrated spatial approach for disaster mitigation in Sri Lanka with an emphasis on landslides

Abstract

Today’s society becomes more vulnerable to disasters. In addition the global environmental changes have been threatened with the increase occurrence of disasters such as floods, landslides and droughts. There are many reasons for the increase the level of vulnerability of today society' than the past. Due to growth of population, environmental degradation, lack of planning and integration of programs on disaster preparedness.

Landslide is the most pressing environmental problem in the central & southern part of Sri Lanka. It has estimated that there are about 12,500 square kilometers in the island prone to landslides (NBRO, 2008). The central part country of Sri Lanka which is hilly, featured by triangular mountainous area. This part of the country is the most fragile region which comprise of sources of water supply to major and minor rivers. During the last three decades extensive losses of lives and properties have been reported during periods of continuous rains. They are not only cause in number of deaths and destructions of properties but also undermine the decade’s long development gained by the country.