February 05 (Citizen.lk News) - The Chamber of Construction Industry (CCI) of Sri Lanka aims to transform the sector from a survival mode into a proactive catalyst for economic growth by stabilizing finances and addressing bureaucratic and monopolistic hurdles, Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka President Manilal Fernando said participating in an exclusive interview with Daily News Business.
Under new leadership, the CCI intends to position the construction sector as a key export earner by leveraging the country’s engineering standards and exporting expertise to markets like the Maldives, East Africa, and the Middle East. Fernando said their immediate priorities include engaging with the government to settle the outstanding issue of debt repayments, promoting ethical procurement, advocating for uniform tendering procedures, establishing a “Single Window Clearance” system for permits, and modernizing zoning laws to encourage urban development.
The CCI emphasizes technology adoption like BIM to reduce waste and promotes sustainable practices through a “CCI Green Rating” and a “Circular Construction” initiative.
They will also focus on modernizing workforce training, mandating NVQ certification and supporting young professionals and startups in construction technology and establish a “Young Constructors Forum” to provide mentorship from industry veterans and provide a platform for startups focused on “ConTech. As debt restructuring progresses and FDI returns, he called for collective discipline among stakeholders to build a global reputation for excellence.
He said the CCI will work closely with the Government and international agencies to ensure the resumption of stalled projects and the commencement of new, sustainable infrastructure developments.
Fernando said the Chamber remains dedicated to advocating for fair pricing mechanisms, streamlined regulatory approvals and the protection of local contractors in the global marketplace and the past year tested the industry in unprecedented ways from navigating economic fluctuations to managing the rising costs of materials. The resilience shown by construction professionals and firms has been nothing short of remarkable and the horizon is beginning to brighten for the construction industry in Sri Lanka.
