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| Sunday, 25 May 2003 |
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Seeks work in Iraq Sri Lanka's construction industry wants to be part of the $ 500 billion rehabilitation and reconstruction work in Iraq, following the war carried out there by the Coalition Forces. The Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) told the media that India was already on the ball, and had sent a delegation to America, along with the members of the Indian Federation of Chambers to canvass for work in Iraq. CCISL President, Surath Wickremasinghe wants the Sri Lankan Government to take a cue from India and use political connections to obtain subcontracts for the projects awaiting reconstruction. At least 200,000 workers from the local construction industry could be gainfully employed in Iraq, Wickremasinghe said. Iraq has to restore over 25,000 schools, 200 hospitals, 2000 healthcare centres, 10 major power plants, 40,000 kilometres of road network, bridges, 74 airports including six major airports, harbours and telecommunication facilities and other projects. CCISL Vice President, S.N. Wijepala said Indian Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government apparently does not want to be left out from the reconstruction business in Iraq. India had gifted tea and other items to establish humanitarian connections prior to canvassing financial projects. The Indian Federation Chairman, A.C. Muttiah hoped to obtain at least 20 per cent of the subcontract work available in Iraq. Indians are reported to be more confident about winning contracts than other Asian countries like South Korea, China, Taiwan, Philippines and Malaysia. CCISL called on local ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Industrial Development and Enterprise and Labour and the Chamber of Construction and other chambers connected with industry and labour to meet as a group and formulate an action plan to obtain work in Iraq and other countries. |
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