President Mahinda Rajapaksa met with representatives of the construction sector, pottery and tile industry, wood importers and cement manufacturers at Temple Trees yesterday (September 1) to receive their views for the preparation of the Budget 2012.
This meeting was part of the series of discussions held with the private sector. It focused on problems faced by the construction sector that is a pillar of the economic development, showing a growth higher than 10%. The views expressed in the meeting will be incorporated in budgetary preparations.

The scarcity of a skilled work force was stressed in the discussions. Emphasizing the need for a mechanism to enhance the recognition and mentality of workers, President Rajapaksa noted that he had initiated such a programme while he was the Minister of Labour and Labour Relations.

He expressed his hope that many problems in the field of construction will be solved by implementing the Bill relating to Construction. He was commended by the representatives of the tile industry for intervening to solve their problems.

Many suggestions were also made to overcome problems that arise due to drawbacks in tender processes.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Environment Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Minister of Construction, Engineering Services and Common Amenities Wimal Weerawansa, Minister of Disaster Management Mahinda Amaraweera, Acting Presidential Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and Planning Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and the respective secretaries of the ministries.