ASI AGM looks at sustainable infrastructure
“As Sri Lanka continues to embrace modernisation, it is imperative that we integrate sustainability into every aspect of our infrastructure planning and execution.
“Sustainable infrastructure is beyond constructing buildings and roads and it is about creating a framework that promotes long-term environmental health, economic vitality and social equity. Given Sri Lanka’s unique geographical conditions our approach to sustainability must be innovative, inclusive and adaptable to the local needs adhering to sustainable growth,” said Moratuwa University Building Economics Department Emeritus Professor Prof Chitra Weddikkara at the inaugural AGM -2023/2024 of the Alliance for Sustainable Infrastructure (ASI).
“As we embark on the crucial journey towards sustainable development, it is vital to recognise the invaluable contribution being made by civil society organizations, committee groups and citizens at large to this transformative process”, she added.
ASI convener Samantha Abeywickrama said; “Infrastructure projects have a profound impact on communities hence community engagement plays a critical role in ensuring success and sustainability of these projects. It is important that governments are aligned with stakeholders and community members to ensure funds are used to make the optimum impact. It is in this context that ASI comes into play. ASI plays the role of ‘infrastructure watchdog’ in Sri Lanka focusing on; responsible public procurement, mitigating environmental impact and addressing involuntary resettlement. We have provided a model to facilitate this process that sheds light on public, private and people’s partnership.”
Supporting partner of ASI, Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) Country representative Sarrah Sammoon and ASI’s coordinating body, Confederation of Micro, Small and Medium Industries (COSMI) President Nawaz Rajabdeen also expressed their views. Rajabdeen said, ASI’s core competencies are in perfect harmony with COSMI’s theme of enhancing the standards of MSME’s in the country.
ASI is a voluntary coalition of civil society organisations and individuals formed with a view to transforming the alliance into an efficient and effective movement of civil society, proactively advocating for and responding to the matters pertaining to the life cycle of large-scale infrastructure projects to ensure the interests of the local communities are well reflected in public expenditure on large-scale infrastructure in Sri Lanka.
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