Cabinet Approves Urgent Rs. 250 Mn Reconstruction for NIFS Hanthana 🏛️

• Project Overview: The Cabinet of Ministers approved transferring responsibility for planning, geotechnical assessments, and procurement management for the urgent reconstruction of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) premises in Hanthana, Kandy, to the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) on a direct contract basis. • Financial & Structural Details: • Estimated Cost: ~Rs. 250 million. • Scope of Work: Construction of a protective embankment and slope-stabilisation measures to safeguard laboratory facilities and neighboring properties. • Background & Impact: • Cause: Severe landslide damage caused by heavy rainfall from Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025. • Risk: Posed structural stability risks to the main laboratory complex of NIFS and safety hazards to nearby residents. • National Relevance: NIFS (est. 1981) is Sri Lanka's premier state institution for basic scientific research and scientific human capital development.