Boost for construction sector

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

The State institute which had been producing stones for construction purposes due to be liquidated by an auction for scrap iron by some narrow-sighted politicians and Government officials saying is was running at a lost re-started its production recently as a joint venture of Fujeema Cooperation, Japan and the Ministry of Construction and Engineering Services of Sri Lanka.

This was revealed by the Minister of Construction and Engineering Services Rajitha Senaratne addressing the gathering at the commencement of production under the name Fujeema State Cooperation Lanka Limited.

The Minister further said that the institute had been closed for four years without any significant reason and finally the institute with its machinery and vehicles had been earmarked for sale for scrap iron.

"Fortunately the Government could re-start the institute with the help of the Fujeema Cooperation and fulfil the metal requirement for construction purposes.

"Moreover the machines which were designated as scrap iron have been restored and are now in good working condition," the Minister said.

Steps have been taken to produce artificial sand from stones using modern technology in the near future after receiving the required machinery from Japan aiming to cater the high demand.

Accordingly, the sand will be sold at a concessionary price even though the sand is suitable for any masonry or construction purposes.

"The customer can get the advantage of reducing cement cost by 7 per cent while the masonry work becomes easier when using this special sand." The Minister said privatisation was the main policy of all Governments which ruled the country from 1977 except the present Government.

"For the first time this is the only Government which doesn't privatise any public institution. From 2005 any institution has not been privatised since this is a people friendly Government. It has clearly been mentioned in the Mahinda Chinthana."

The Government has commenced several key projects which are directly linked with the development of the country such as coal plants, harbours, high ways, large scale hydro-power plants, airports and many more. According to the experts there will not be any need for infrastructure development for thirty years after completing these on going massive projects, the Minister said.