He said a national plan should be formulated with the cooperation between the state and private sector and extended an open invitation to the private sector in this regard.
The President made this observation while participating in the Construct 2015 exhibition at the BMICH Friday (28).
The three-day construction industry exhibition, organized by the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka provides knowledge and education regarding the construction industry and equipment available in this industry.
Speaking at the occasion, President Sirisena said even though today's construction industry has been completely enriched with modern technology, when that knowledge is utilized in the local field of construction, it should be combined with the expertise Sri Lanka developed in ancient times.
"What we learn from historical chronicles about great creations like Lovamahapaya have been proved during excavations and during ancient times Sri Lankan construction industry had a great name that no other country had in the world," he noted.
Recalling that Sri Lanka's history of using iron goes back to the period Before Christ (BC) and the history of irrigation in Sri Lanka reveals that ancient kings had built more than 34, 000 tanks for irrigation, the President said that centuries old Sri Lankan expertise in construction sector should be taken to international level.
When the National Construction Association pointed out the issue of inadequacy of skilled workers, the President asked them to submit a proposal to solve this issue. He said the government will then look into the issue and find a solution.
According to the consultants and contractors Sri Lanka's construction industry faces many significant problems in areas including financial, government policies, technology, management and coordination, R&D, resource, safety, training and development social and skill levels.
After opening the exhibition, the President held cordial discussions with those who engaged in the construction sector.
Ministry Secretaries, President of the Construction Association Deshamanya S. P. Liyanarachchi, Secretary Pubudu Kamal Perera also participated at this occasion.
