CCI holds 18th AGM; appoints Arc. Jayantha Perera as new President

The 18th Annual General Meeting of the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka was held on the 2 August at the Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo with full Committee attendance and membership representation.

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. He noted some highlights especially about acquiring a land for a permanent Secretariat for the Chamber and also subsequent to the incorporation of the Chamber by Act of Parliament in 2019 the “Rules of Management” were gazetted on 17 March 2021.

During this period the Chamber was able to intervene with the government to facilitate all contracts over 3 months to be granted price escalations on projects during the COVID 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 outlined his vision for his term of office emphasising 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 enrol young members into the fold and drive the organisation through Information Technology. He pledged to do his best to excel on behalf of the industry.

The outgoing President made some acute observations about the workings of the industry and bemoaned the lackadaisical attitude of the political leadership in not utilising the industry as a driver of growth and also lethargy of the bureaucracy. He thanked his board and council and staff members for their unstinted support and cooperation during his stewardship.

Finally in grateful 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.

The 18th AGM of the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka concluded with a fellowship dinner.