Build Sri Lanka 2026 Housing and Construction International Exhibition concludes on a resounding note

The premier Housing and Construction International Exhibition 2026, organised by the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCI), was held between 22 and 24 May at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

The CCI, established under an Act of Parliament as the apex representative body of the entire construction sector, organised this premier exhibition for the 21st time.

The membership of the Chamber comprises 17 institutions and trade associations representing the entire spectrum of the construction industry, including builders, construction industry suppliers, manufacturers, designers, quantity surveyors, engineers, architects etc., and over 300 companies engaged in activities related to the construction sector. The Chamber has positioned itself as the voice of the industry and has earned the respect of the Government, which consults the CCI on a time-to-time basis on important issues 

CCI President V. Manilal Fernando addressing the occasion appreciated Housing, Construction and Water Supply Secretary Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta’s presence at the occasion. 

He said that after a continuous slump from 2020 to 2023, the construction industry experienced modest growth from 2024.

However, he noted the rupee depreciation due to the war in the Gulf States and stated that the industry is therefore heading towards uncertain times again.

The rupee depreciation will badly affect the construction industry as most construction items are imported (even locally manufactured items have high import content). This will result in price increases of all materials and services. Unless the cost increases are correctly reflected in contractual payments, many contractors and consultants will not be able to perform.

Also, several contractors, especially Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) contractors, have complained that Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) price indices do not reflect actual price variations. As such, it is proposed that a committee, comprising CCI, a few reputed contractors, and the CIDA be appointed to overlook the compilation of price indices.

He seriously noted that there is a set of amendments to the CID Act, finalised in 2024 by the National Advisory Council on Construction after discussions spanning over six years and approved by the Legal Draftsman, which can be enacted within two months. But instead of enacting these amendments, CIDA is now proposing a complete overhaul of the CID Act, which will take a minimum of two years to reach the stage of Parliamentary approval. As the earlier agreed set of amendments addresses many critical issues faced by the industry, it is proposed that these amendments be enacted first and that the total revision be finalised subsequently.

Bogahawatta, who was the Chief Guest, observed the out-migration of skilled labour and its impact on the construction industry, and said the Government was implementing a program of upskilling for school leavers to address this issue over a period of three years. Simultaneously, the Chamber too has observed this trend and, with the Tertiary Vocational Commission of Sri Lanka, the CCI is fast-tracking a program to recognise the experience of semi-skilled labour and, by upgrading their knowledge, provide an NVQ Certificate in skilled crafts. Bogahawatta presented 20 such NVQ Level 3 and Level 4 certificates to welders and electricians at this ceremony.