Call to help local contractors

When local contractors are sent out on assignments, the country can earn foreign exchange. But contractors initially cannot get foreign assignments on their own. The government therefore should assist them by responding to tenders.

The funds should come from the Banks, Mahinda Jayatunge, the first vice chairman of the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) told the Sunday Observer.

He said if the government could assist local contractors by responding to tenders and obtain for them building contracts outside the country, future contractors can then step in and fill that void.

As a minor entrepreneur in the construction industry in the South, Jayatunge joined the NCASL and got involved with the activities of the Southern Branch of the NCASL and contributed his mite to make it one of NCASL's strongest branches. Contractors invest all their capital on the construction project and dedicate their entire time on it. But, they receive their payments only once the building project is completed. Until then, they could be subjected to temptations which could lead to corruption.

The country, however, should be indebted to the contractors for their work and the construction industry could be converted to a foreign exchange earner.

Jayatunge said that there were many young people who wish to take to construction but could not do so as they do not have the capital to gain the technical knowledge and the proper procedure of the industry from established institutions. They also lack funding resources.

Jayatunge deplored the dwindling number of contractors, especially new entrants to the industry. He said that the younger generation is not drawn to state-run Vocational Training Centres.

But why are young people not drawn to them? The allowance given by the State to those who learn at these centres is too little. Most of those who get into the industry need a substantial allowance. He could be the breadwinner or his earnings go a long way to upkeep his parents and family. Therefore, they get directly drawn to the industry as they are paid much more for their work than what they are paid as trainees at the Vocational Training Centres.

As a result, they miss the opportunity to learn the know-how and the techniques of the construction industry on a scientific basis. Seventy per cent of masons, carpenters, plumbers and electricians are those who have learnt the trade while being employed.

The government, therefore should increase the payments made to trainees at vocational training centres so that those who wish to enter the construction industry will come through Vocational Training Centres with a scientific knowledge.