Construction experts to help boost development drive

Experts in the construction sector promised to extend their fullest support and contribution towards the government’s bid to develop the country.

They made this pledge before President Mahinda Rajapaksa when they were called to present suggestions and proposals in the field of construction to draft Budget 2013 at Temple Trees yesterday.

The construction experts brought to the attention of the President certain prevailing issues in the construction field and put forward proposals to solve these issues and redress the grievances through Budget 2013. President Rajapaksa stressed that the government was fully committed to protect the local entrepreneur and businessman and would take every measure to secure their enterprises.

They pointed out the key problem areas in the construction field which include the scarcity of raw materials and possible challenges when competing with foreign companies. Special attention was focused on how to overcome the situation faced by mega scale constructors who are finding it difficult to get skilled labour in the country. “ They pointed out to the President that a tendency was being created among the the youth of the country to keep away from the construction fields”.

The President replied saying that youth can be persuaded into the construction field after securing professional respect for the field. “They expect due payments and professional respect”, he explained.

Labourers can be encouraged to join the field if they are provided with a proper assessment mechanism and suitable uniform.

The President said that when he was the Labour Minister, he attentively focused on providing workers due professional respect”, he added.

Construction and Engineering Minister Wimal Weerawansa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara were also present.