If you have been following the news lately, you know that Sri Lanka has faced serious
environmental issues. Landslides and floods have affected the hill country and wet zones. For
anyone looking to build a dream home or invest in land, these events raise an important
question: “How do I know this land is safe?”
This is where the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) comes in.
As a responsible real estate partner, we believe that safety comes first. In this article, we will
explain what the NBRO is, why their clearance is necessary for certain areas, and how you can
get that essential certificate to protect your investment.
What is the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO)?
The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) is a leading government research and
development institute in Sri Lanka. It operates under disaster management and defense
authorities and serves as the national focal point for landslide risk management.
While they handle various tasks, such as testing building materials and monitoring the
environment, their most important role in real estate is Geotechnical Assessment. In simple
terms, the NBRO includes scientists and engineers who examine the soil, slope, and stability of
the land to determine if it is safe for construction.
You might see the name ‘NBRI’ on NBRO’s official website. This stands for the National Building
Research Institute, which is the institutional and research side of the National Building Research
Organisation (NBRO). Both names refer to the same government authority.
Why is NBRO Certification So Important?
You might see government approvals as just paperwork, but the NBRO clearance is different. It
is a life-saving document. Here is why it matters: :
It is Mandatory by Law
In designated landslide-prone districts, you cannot get a building permit or approval for land
subdivision from your Local Authority (Pradeshiya Sabha, Urban Council, or Municipal Council)
without an NBRO clearance certificate.
2. Risk Reduction
The NBRO checks for hidden dangers that an untrained eye might miss. They look for loose soil
layers, underground water flow, and rock instability. If they give you the green light, it means the
risk of a landslide is low.
Protecting Your Investment
Imagine spending millions on a house, only for the foundation to crack or the backyard to slip
away during the monsoon. An NBRO certificate secures your financial future by ensuring you
are not building on a ticking time bomb.
Resale Value
Properties with clear NBRO documentation maintain their value better. Savvy buyers today will
request this certificate before considering a purchase. Additionally, many insurance companies
and banks now require this certificate before approving housing loans or property insurance in
hilly areas.
Who Needs NBRO Clearance?
Currently, NBRO clearance is required for any new construction or land subdivision in the
following 10 districts known for landslides:
- Kandy
- Matale
- Nuwara Eliya
- Badulla
- Kegalle
- Ratnapura
- Kalutara
- Galle
- Matara
- Hambantota
Note: Even outside these main districts, certain high-risk areas, such as parts of Kurunegala or
Monaragala, may sometimes need assessment. Always check with your local authority.
How to Obtain an NBRO Clearance Certificate: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you are planning to build in one of the above districts, here is the roadmap to getting your
certificate.
Step 1: Obtain the Application
Visit your relevant Local Authority (Municipal Council, Urban Council, or Pradeshiya Sabha) or
the nearest NBRO District Office. Ask for the “Landslide Risk Assessment Application.”
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You will generally need to attach the following to your application:
- Survey Plan: 2 copies of a recent survey plan (usually within the last 10 years) prepared
by a licensed surveyor.
- Deed: A copy of the land deed.
- Contour Plan: For steep lands, a contour plan (showing the slope levels) may be required.
- Building Plans: If you are applying for construction, attach the architectural drawings.
Step 3: Submission & Fees
Submit the completed application back to your Local Authority. They will forward it to the NBRO.
You will be required to pay an investigation fee.
- Fees vary based on the floor area (square footage) of your proposed building and the
type of project (residential vs. commercial).
Step 4: The Field Inspection
This is the most crucial step. A team of NBRO scientists/geologists will visit your land. They look
at:
- Slope angle.
- Soil composition.
- Drainage patterns (where the rainwater goes).
- History of instability in the area.
Step 5: The Report
After the inspection, the NBRO will issue a report (usually within a few weeks). There are three
possible outcomes:
1. Clearance Granted: The land is safe. You can proceed.
- Conditional Clearance: You can build, but you must follow specific engineering
guidelines (e.g., building a retaining wall, using a specific type of foundation, or improving drainage).
- Rejection: The risk is too high. Construction is not allowed. While this is disappointing, it
saves you from a potential disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is NBRO?
The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) is a government agency in Sri Lanka
responsible for assessing land stability, managing landslide risks, and ensuring that construction
in vulnerable areas is safe. They conduct surveys and issue clearance certificates that protect
both property buyers and builders.
- What is NBRO approval?
NBRO approval is an official clearance issued by the National Building Research Organisation
confirming that a specific land or property is safe for construction, based on geological and soil
stability assessments.
- Is NBRO approval mandatory in Sri Lanka?
Yes. NBRO clearance is legally mandatory for construction and land subdivision in
landslide-prone districts such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, and several others. Without it,
local authorities will not issue building permits.
- Why is NBRO approval important when buying land?
NBRO approval ensures the land is not at high risk of landslides or ground instability. It protects
lives, prevents structural damage, and secures your financial investment before construction
begins.
- Which areas in Sri Lanka require NBRO clearance?
NBRO clearance is required mainly in the following districts:
- Kandy
- Matale
- Nuwara Eliya
- Badulla
- Kegalle
- Ratnapura
- Kalutara
- Galle
- Matara
- HambantotaSome high-risk areas outside these districts may also require assessment.
- Do I need NBRO approval just to buy land?
Not always. However, if you plan to build, subdivide, or apply for a building permit, NBRO
approval will be required in designated risk areas. It is strongly recommended to check before
purchasing land.
- Can I get a housing loan without NBRO clearance?
In many cases, banks and insurance companies require NBRO clearance before approving
housing loans or property insurance, especially for properties in hilly or landslide-prone areas.
- How long does it take to get an NBRO certificate?
The process usually takes a few weeks, depending on the location, weather conditions, and
inspection workload. Complex sites may take slightly longer.
- What happens if NBRO gives conditional approval?
Conditional approval means construction is allowed, but you must follow specific engineering
recommendations such as:
- Retaining walls
- Special foundation designs
- Improved drainage systems
Following these conditions is mandatory.
- What if NBRO rejects the land?
If the land is rejected, construction is not permitted due to high risk. While disappointing, this
decision prevents potential disasters and protects you from major financial and safety losses.
- Is NBRO approval transferable when buying land?
NBRO clearance is usually site-specific and project-specific. A previous approval may not
always apply to a new construction plan. Always confirm validity with the NBRO or your local
authority.
- What documents are needed to apply for NBRO clearance?
Commonly required documents include:
- Survey plan● Copy of the land deed
- Contour plan (for steep lands)
- Building plans (if applicable)
- Why does NBRO also appear as “NBRI”?
“NBRI” stands for the National Building Research Institute, which represents the institutional
and research identity of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO). Both names
refer to the same government authority.
- Can NBRO approval increase property value?
Yes. Properties with proper NBRO clearance are considered safer, more credible, and more
attractive to buyers, helping maintain or increase resale value.
Summary
In today’s climate, skipping safety is not an option. The NBRO certificate is not merely a
regulatory requirement; it is the “safety seal” for your property.
If you plan to buy land in Kandy or any hill country district, always ask the seller if they have
gotten preliminary NBRO clearance. If they haven’t, make sure your purchase offer depends on
obtaining this approval.
Stay safe, build smart, and secure your future.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance. Regulations and fees are
subject to change by the government. We recommend consulting with your Local Authority or a
professional surveyor for the most current requirements.
