Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday, 27 May 2023 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The much looked forward to Build SL 2023 Housing and Construction Exhibition commenced yesterday at the BMICH (Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Hall) under the distinguished patronage of Deputy Ambassador of Japan for Sri Lanka Kotaro Katsuki.
The event is on until 28 May and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
On display would be products and services of 200 stalls in this unrivalled Housing and Construction Exhibition.
Chamber of Construction of Sri Lanka President Archt. Jayantha Perera in his welcome address rallied cry for all stakeholders to support each other in these present times. Guest of Honour Construction Industry Development Authority Chairman Eng. R.H. Ruvinis gave some remarkable good news that all foreign funded suspended projects would commence shortly and if we all collaborate then we can come out of this situation.
On behalf of the title sponsor Siam Cement CEO Nandana Ekanayaka said Build SL Expo held for the 18th time is a testament to the commitment and vision of the Chamber and all stakeholders of their collective responsibility to fulfil the exhibition slogan ‘We can build Sri Lanka.’
Ministry of Urban Development and Housing Secretary Sathyananda recognises the sensitivity and correlation of the construction industry with the economic future of society. He specially mentioned the working committee report appointed by the President of the Republic to revive the construction industry, stating that 50 strategic interventions could surely uplift the construction industry. The Chief Guest on this occasion Acting Ambassador of Japan for Sri Lanka Kotaro Katsuki recalled Japanese infrastructure aid (Overseas Development Assistance) from 1978 starting from with Inginimitiya Irrigation Development Project. He also mentioned Infrastructure Development Assistant such as the Colombo Port Development in the 1980s, the Baseline Road development project in 1919, the Katunayake airport development (phase 1) in 2000 and of recent times the golden gate bridge over the Kelani.
He also mentioned that Japan would resume ODA Assistant provided corruption is routed out and SOEs are reformed. He mentioned that Japan fully supports steps to restructure debt. He proposed Sri Lanka to ratchet up export-oriented industries and venture into new areas like renewable energy. He invited all stakeholders to join the Trade and Investment Expo 2025 at Osaka, Japan.
