5. Functions of the Institute

The functions of the Institute shall be -

to assist the functions of a technical nature of the National Council for Disaster Management established under section 2 of the Sri Lanka Disaster

to investigate, identify and map the areas prone to landslides or the areas having geotechnical instability and demarcate the susceptibility levels and prepare hazard zonation maps;

to identify and declare an area with risk of a potential landslide as a “landslide danger zone” for the purpose of evacuation of persons;

to issue early warning for areas with potential impacts due to landslides;

to issue Landslide Risk Assessment Report for any type of construction or development activity conducted in the area prone to landslides;

to conduct research and studies on landslides and monitor impacts of climate change on landslides and to design and implement mitigatory measures to reduce risks associated with landslide;

to provide proactive scientifi c solutions to minimize social, economic and environmental impacts due to landslides;

to assist the relevant authorities in the preparation of land use plans in an area prone to landslides or an area having geotechnical instability;

to perform geotechnical investigations and provide technical services on ground improvement and slope stabilization measures;

to conduct research relating to construction in areas having geotechnical instability and to provide related technical assistance;

to make recommendations to the Minister to prescribe the scope of geotechnical investigations and design for engineering applications;

to issue Geotechnical Stability Assessment Reports on ground stability for excavation or construction;

to function as a depository of all information related to geotechnical investigations;

to conduct research on disaster resilient construction and to provide related technical assistance ;

to assess chemical, physical and biological changes in environment to provide related technical solutions;

to assess building based on structure, occupancy, energy and environment on the request of the occupant or the owner of the building and to provide technical assistance;

to conduct research on materials, products and technologies used for construction purposes and suitability thereof;

to investigate into the conditions of damage, safety and incorporation of disaster resilient design and construction features in buildings and structures and provide technical solutions on structural safety, on the request of the occupant or the owner of the building;

to provide assistance to the relevant authorities in the development of policy, guidelines, specifi cations and standards in respect of the construction and development activities, on the request made by such relevant authorities;

to disseminate scientifi c knowledge and information in areas of expertise of the Institute through awareness creation, training and technology transfer;

to collaborate with local and international stakeholders in conducting research and surveys subject to the approval of the Board and to disseminate the outcome of such research and surveys whilst maintaining confi dentiality on the data collected and, subject to written laws on patent rights.