Govt. eyes foreign labour for construction industry

• Housing, Construction and Water Supply Ministry Secretary Eng. Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta says major construction firms requested Govt. to permit recruitment of at least 7,500 foreign workers
• Attributes current shortage largely to migration of 1,400 engineers for overseas employment
• Notes 10,000 skilled local workers needed immediately to boost productivity, reduce reliance on imported labour
• Highlights shortages and rising costs of building materials

By Charumini de Silva

Housing, Construction and  Water Supply Ministry Secretary  Eng. Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta

Housing, Construction and Water Supply Ministry Secretary Eng. Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta yesterday said the country’s construction industry is grappling with a severe workforce shortage, with around 20,000 vacancies currently available for immediate employment.

Addressing a media briefing, he revealed that several major construction companies have formally requested the Government many times to permit the recruitment of at least 7,500 foreign workers to bridge the growing labour gap, particularly as large-scale projects move into the pipeline.

Eng. Bogahawatta noted that foreign workers from India, Nepal and Bangladesh are already employed in the sector, underscoring the industry’s increasing reliance on migrant labour.

He attributed the current shortage largely to the migration of around 1,400 Sri Lankan engineers for overseas employment, which has resulted in a mismatch between skilled and unskilled labour within the industry.

“To address this imbalance, the Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA), in collaboration with the Ministry, is implementing a targeted strategy to upskill village-level unskilled workers,” he said, adding that these workers will be trained through private sector contractors, with a focus on technical competencies and National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) standards, while ensuring professionalism, self-esteem, job security and monthly earnings of around Rs. 100,000.

However, the Ministry Secretary stressed that the Government does not intend to halt the recruitment of migrant workers, given the urgent need for skilled labour to support upcoming infrastructure and construction projects.

“The construction industry is in dire need of skilled workers. Based on our surveys, we have identified that at least 10,000 skilled local workers are needed immediately to boost productivity, reduce reliance on imported labour and create more opportunities for semi-skilled Sri Lankans,” he said.

The Ministry Secretary also highlighted shortages and rising costs of building materials, particularly river sand. He disclosed that a Cabinet paper has been submitted to introduce a circular allowing the use of ‘fine aggregate’, such as quarry dust or crushed stone dust, as an alternative reference material in construction estimates.

“At present, a cube of river sand costs about Rs. 33,000. Fine aggregate is more cost-effective, scientifically proven, globally recognised and compliant with Sri Lanka Standards (SLS),” he explained, while clarifying that the use of river sand will not be discontinued.

In addition, Eng. Bogahawatta outlined plans to address brick supply challenges by introducing dedicated brick manufacturing zones, aimed at stabilising supply and supporting the construction sector’s long-term needs in a more sustainable way.

“The Government’s multi-pronged approach aims to address growing urgency to stabilise the construction industry, which is expected to play a key role in the country’s economic recovery and infrastructure development drive,” he stressed.