Fast-track development process in Sri Lanka:

Better construction approaches can significantly add value

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

Better construction approaches can significantly add value to the fast-track development process of Sri Lanka, UNDP Sri Lanka Team Leader for Environment, Energy and Disaster Risk Management Ananda Mallawathantri said at the International Conference on Building Resilience 2011 held at Kandalama Hotel last week.

Speaking on the ''Tools to facilitate disaster resilient construction in Sri Lanka" he said that it is necessary to bring out the scientific and socio-economic assessments and studies to strengthen the construction process.

He said an enabling environment to share new information and improved inter-agency and public private partnerships can catalyze the sustainable construction and development.

The key sectors impacted by climate change in Sri Lanka include agriculture (including plantations and animal health) forestry, water resources, coastal and marine resources human health and infrastructure while major disasters include floods, landslides, droughts, cyclones, epidemics, tsunamis, and man-made disasters such as explosions industrial hazards, oil spills and land use related disasters.

Mallawatantri said it is necessary to have an information driven consultative approach in the process.

The two day conference was chaired by Professor, Dilanthi Amaratunga and Dr Richard Haigh Salford University UK and organized by the Centre for Disaster Resillience,Built Environment University UK. Over 50 foreign guests and speakers participated at the event.

The Chamber of Construction Industry coordinated the event with the Salford University team.