• Govt turns to local youth instead of importing workers

The Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply stated the Government has moved to train 10,000 construction workers under the Sri Lanka Army in response to a growing shortage of labour in the construction sector.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy subject Minister T.B. Sarath said that discussions are ongoing with construction companies and that steps are being taken to standardise the designation of “construction worker” as a recognised job category. “We currently have about 7,500 vacancies for construction workers. The initial plan was to bring in workers from overseas. Later, we decided that the requirement could be met using local labour, and we moved ahead with plans to train that number,” he said.

He added that the programme is primarily targeting young people who have completed their Advanced Level (A/L) examinations and next steps would be decided in the coming months. “We are focusing mainly on youth. For example, those who remain at home after A/Ls without clear plans. Awareness programmes are being launched and suitable candidates are being selected for the 10,000 positions. The selection process is still underway,” he said.

Sarath also noted that hesitation among workers to join the construction field stems from the unstable nature of employment in the sector. “This job is not seen as stable, and that discourages many from entering the field. When a contract with one company ends, workers sometimes remain without income for a period. Under this initiative, they will receive a stable salary and be issued uniforms as well. This gives them a sense of dignity,” he said.

The country experienced a significant shortage of construction workers during post-cyclone rebuilding efforts, when labour demand increased as the Government launched housing projects for families who lost homes during Cyclone Ditwah.