Committee presents report on 20 ‘unstable’ buildings in Kandy to CP Governor

By Cyril Wimalasurendre

KANDY –

An expert committee appointed by the Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage to study the conditions of large buildings in Kandy submitted its report on Monday. The committee consists of engineers and architects.

The team was headed by Engineer W. M.A. Wickremasinghe of the Central Province Engineering Services Department. Among others in the 25 member team was Professor S. B. S. Abeykoon.

The committee was appointed by Governor Gamage following the collapse of the five-floor building at Sangamiththa Mawatha, Buwelikada killing a family of three, including an infant.

During discussions and studies on the ill-fated building it transpired that there were many other unstable buildings in Kandy on hills and slopes as well as along the streets of Kandy.

Engineer Wickremasinghe presenting the report said that the committee focused on 20 buildings during the short period of three weeks as they were found to be unstable and risky. There might be many others and they should be investigated.

The Governor while expressing appreciation of the contribution by the team said that he would take necessary action after studying the report.