CCI moots ‘Construction Policy Task Force’

The 18th Annual General Meeting of the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCI) was held at the Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo recently with full Committee attendance and membership representation and Arc. Jayantha Perera elected President.

The Secretary General Col.(Retd) Nissanka N. Wijeratne observed that in spite of a turbulent year (2021) and downturn of economy the Chamber has done well enough to record a modest surplus in the year under review: financially.

During this period the Chamber was able to intervene with the government to facilitate all contracts over three months to be granted price escalations on projects during the C-19 lockdown period up to a limit of 20% of contract sum.

During the period under review a Presidential Committee was appointed to de-regulate and simplify the existing laws and regulations and the Chamber President and CEO were made members of this commission. A key recommendation of this commission was enabling a construction project to commence operations three weeks after submitting preliminary documents to the Urban Development Authority.

The incoming President Arc. Jayantha Perera outlining his vision emphasized the visibility, acceptance and presence of the Chamber both locally and regionally.

He also mooted a “Construction Policy Task Force” to upgrade quality in construction and bring in systematic training and certification into the industry. He mentioned his keenness to enroll young members into the fold and drive the organization through Information Technology.

The outgoing President (Rtd) Ranjith Gunatilleke made some acute observations about the workings of the industry and bemoaned the lackadaisical attitude of the political leadership in not utilizing the industry as a driver of growth and also lethargy of the bureaucracy.

Finally in appreciation in taking the Chamber from strength to strength, Eng. D.D. Wijemanne (who is a Founder Member of the Chamber) was bestowed Honorary Life Membership.