October 01, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for urgent steps to remove the barriers holding back Sri Lanka’s construction industry, saying a stronger sector would help stimulate economic activity and support the country’s broader development goals.
Speaking at a meeting with representatives of the construction industry at the Presidential Secretariat on September 30, the President discussed the sector’s present condition, emerging trends and prospects for recovery.
According to the President’s Media Division, Dissanayake invited industry stakeholders to put forward practical proposals aimed at easing the difficulties faced by businesses and creating conditions for sustained growth.
Representatives from the industry outlined a number of challenges currently affecting construction activity, while discussions also examined potential Government measures that could provide timely solutions and help restore momentum to the sector.
The President said identifying the obstacles affecting construction and taking concrete measures to overcome them would be essential to bringing renewed activity to the industry. He also highlighted the sector’s wider importance to employment, investment and economic development.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Dr Susil Ranasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr Harshana Sooriyapperuma, along with representatives from the construction industry.