Issues of hard-hit construction sector taken up for discussion at National Council sub-committee

 The challenges faced by the hard-hit construction industry were taken up for discussion at the National Council this week, so that the necessary measures can be taken to ease the ongoing hardships faced.

At a sub-committee meeting that was aimed at identifying short and medium-term programmes related to economic stabilisation, the stakeholders of the construction sector put forward the issues that are hindering operations. 

One of the biggest issues faced by the sector at present is the loss of employment, due to the reduced construction activities, which has worsened the woes of the workers in the ongoing economic crisis situation. The sector offers 650,000 direct and 700,000 indirect jobs. Another pressing issue that was highlighted is the repayment of loans. The stakeholders are tied with low construction activities and the government failing to make payments for the projects that have been completed so far. 

With brain drain becoming a growing problem for the island nation, as a huge proportion of the workforce is seen leaving for greener pastures, the construction sector asserted that the drop in workers would further hit the already crippling industry. According to the Government Information Department, Sub-Committee Chairman Patali Champika Ranawaka will present to Parliament a list of proposals that will help uplift the local construction sector.
According to the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka, as of December 2022, the sector has seen nearly 90 percent of work stoppage. As the sector is in an almost standstill state, the association said it fears that there could be a possible loss of 75 percent of the workforce.

The industry is currently grappling with shortages of cement, iron and other raw materials, due to the reduced forex in the country.