Sri Lanka’s roadworks in shambles: When will the Government act?

Effective planning and resource utilisation are critical to minimising unnecessary disruptions 

and maximising the efficiency of roadworks

One of the most significant challenges facing Sri Lanka’s road infrastructure system is the lack of coordination between the various stakeholders involved in roadwork projects. These stakeholders include local authorities, utility companies, contractors, and government bodies. Without a centralised coordinating authority, each entity works independently, often without communication or collaboration. This fragmented approach leads to inefficiency, redundant work, and significant delays

The persistent issue of poorly managed roadworks in Sri Lanka has reached a critical juncture, becoming a glaring example of inefficiency and mismanagement in public infrastructure development. Across the country, roads are frequently excavated by various departments for essential work, such as laying pipelines, cables, or upgrading utilities. However, the aftermath of these activities is marked by long delays in restoration, substandard repairs, and a lack of accountability. These shortcomings collectively cause significant public inconvenience, financial waste, and safety hazards that impact millions of citizens daily.

The problem stems from a complex interplay of factors, including inadequate coordination among governmental agencies, poor enforcement of quality standards, and insufficient oversight mechanisms. The responsible entities, such as the Road Development Authority, Municipal Councils, Water and Drainage Board, electricity providers, and telecommunications companies, often operate in silos. This fragmented approach leads to repeated disruptions, with roads being excavated multiple times for different projects due to a lack of unified planning.

Furthermore, the financial implications of this inefficiency are severe. Public funds are squandered on repeated repairs, temporary fixes, and the administrative costs associated with mismanaged projects. Beyond the economic cost, the social toll is immense. Poorly restored roads endanger pedestrians, damage vehicles, and disrupt daily commutes, while unresolved issues exacerbate during the rainy season, amplifying risks and inconveniences.

This article examines the key issues plaguing road infrastructure management in Sri Lanka, offers a comprehensive analysis of their root causes, and proposes actionable solutions to ensure better governance, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of the nation’s road infrastructure.

Key issues in road infrastructure management

1.Lack of coordination and 

governance gaps

One of the most significant challenges facing Sri Lanka’s road infrastructure system is the lack of coordination between the various stakeholders involved in roadwork projects. These stakeholders include local authorities, utility companies, contractors, and government bodies. Without a centralised coordinating authority, each entity works independently, often without communication or collaboration. This fragmented approach leads to inefficiency, redundant work, and significant delays.

Inconsistent project execution:

Road repairs and utility installations often overlap, leading to repeated disruptions. For instance, a road might be excavated for repairs only for another entity to come in later to lay utility lines in the same area. This redundancy wastes both time and resources, causing frustration among the public who are subjected to repeated road closures and diversions.

Resource mismanagement:

Political interference and the misallocation of resources further exacerbate the issue. Many times, projects are delayed or deferred due to political motivations. Resources are often diverted to politically favoured projects, leaving essential roadworks underfunded or ignored. This lack of focus on prioritising critical infrastructure projects not only delays development but also increases the overall cost of maintenance and repair in the long run.

Weak oversight and quality control:

Another issue related to governance is weak oversight. There is insufficient monitoring of contractors, leading to substandard work. Contractors may bypass quality standards to meet deadlines or cut costs, resulting in poor-quality repairs that need to be redone sooner than expected. The lack of effective supervision has also contributed to the culture of complacency, where officials and contractors are rarely held accountable for their inefficiencies.

2.Cultural and systemic issues

In addition to governance challenges, cultural and systemic factors play a significant role in the mismanagement of roadworks in Sri Lanka. These factors are deeply embedded in the country’s institutional and societal structures, affecting how projects are managed and executed.

Complacency and lack of accountability:

There is a general lack of accountability in the management of roadworks. Contractors are rarely penalised for delays, and officials are seldom held responsible for their failures to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. This lack of accountability creates a culture of complacency, where both public officials and contractors feel little pressure to meet performance expectations.

Political interference:

As with many sectors in Sri Lanka, political interference in road infrastructure management is widespread. Political agendas often influence the allocation of resources, with priority given to projects that align with short-term political goals rather than long-term national needs. This political interference undermines the integrity of the planning process, leading to misaligned priorities and inefficient resource use.

Limited public engagement:

Another issue is the limited public engagement in the planning and execution of road projects. Citizens are often excluded from the decision-making process, which leads to a lack of understanding of the importance of roadworks. Without proper engagement, the public may view road repairs as a source of inconvenience rather than a necessary step toward improving infrastructure. Additionally, this lack of transparency fuels frustration and resentment, which further hampers the successful implementation of projects.

Proposed solutions for reform

Addressing these systemic issues requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. Below are some potentially key solutions that can help overcome the challenges in Sri Lanka’s Road infrastructure management.

1.Establish a centralised coordination authority

A centralised body dedicated to overseeing roadworks across the country is essential to streamline the planning and execution of road projects. This body would coordinate the efforts of local authorities, utility companies, and contractors, ensuring that projects are synchronised and disruptions are minimised.

Key benefits:

• Synchronisation of efforts: By bringing together various stakeholders, a centralised authority can ensure that utility installations and road repairs are coordinated to avoid redundant excavations.
• Reduced disruptions: Coordination would minimise roadwork disruptions by aligning road repairs with other infrastructure projects, ensuring that roads are not repeatedly dug up for different purposes.

For example, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has successfully implemented a centralised coordination model that minimises disruptions. By working closely with utility providers, the LTA ensures that roadworks and utility installations are carried out in a coordinated manner, reducing unnecessary overlaps and delays.

2.Implement strict timelines and penalties

To ensure that projects are completed on time and meet quality standards, strict timelines and penalties for non-compliance must be enforced. Performance-based contracts should be adopted, with clear deadlines for completion and penalties for contractors who fail to meet them.

Recommendations:

• Mandatory restoration: Roads should be restored to their original condition immediately after the completion of roadworks. This would help ensure that the roads remain functional and safe for the public.
• Financial penalties: Contractors who fail to meet deadlines or deliver subpar work should be financially penalised. These penalties would serve as an incentive for contractors to improve their performance and adhere to quality standards.

3.Ensure high-quality standards for repairs

High-quality repairs are essential to ensure that roads remain durable and do not require frequent repairs. Independent inspection teams should be established to monitor compliance with quality benchmarks. Contractors should be held financially responsible for any substandard work that fails to meet the required standards.

By setting clear quality standards and enforcing them rigorously, Sri Lanka can reduce the need for repeated repairs, thereby saving public funds and improving road safety.

4.Optimise resource utilisation

Effective planning and resource utilisation are critical to minimising unnecessary disruptions and maximising the efficiency of roadworks. Proper feasibility studies should be conducted before any work begins, ensuring that utility installations and road repairs are aligned in a single operation.

Proposed measures:

• Long-term roadmap: A long-term roadmap for infrastructure projects should be created to avoid overlapping schedules. This would help ensure that all projects are carried out in a systematic manner, preventing unnecessary delays and resource wastage.
• Coordinated road repairs: Road repairs should be coordinated with utility work to prevent repeated excavations. This would not only reduce costs but also minimise the disruption caused to the public.

5.Enhance public transparency and engagement

Public engagement is key to improving the acceptance of roadworks. The Government should launch awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the timelines, objectives, and progress of ongoing projects. Citizens should also be provided with platforms to voice concerns, track progress, and receive updates on the status of roadworks.

Increased transparency would help reduce public frustration and foster a greater understanding of the need for infrastructure improvements.

6.Leverage technology for monitoring and oversight

Technology can play a crucial role in improving the oversight and accountability of road infrastructure management. Tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), project management software, and drones can be used to monitor roadworks in real time, ensuring that projects stay on track and meet quality standards.

Technological tools:

• GIS for tracking progress: GIS can be used to map and track the progress of roadworks, helping authorities identify delays and areas where additional resources are needed.
• Project management software: Software tools can be used to monitor timelines, budgets, and compliance, allowing authorities to track the status of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Drone surveillance: Drones can be used for real-time assessments of ongoing projects, providing valuable data for decision-making and ensuring that work is being carried out according to specifications.

7.Joint police and Grama Sevaka sign-off system

To ensure accountability and compliance, a joint sign-off system involving both police and Grama Sevaka officials can be implemented. This system would formalise the process of verifying completed roadworks and include but not limited to the following steps:

Completion notification: Once a project is completed, the contractor or project team notifies both the police and the Grama Sevaka for a final inspection.

Joint inspection:

• Police role: Verify that traffic and safety measures have been fully restored, ensuring road users can travel safely.
• Grama Sevaka role: Assess adherence to the project’s approved scope, including quality of materials, proper alignment with community needs, and absence of any unresolved issues.

Compliance checklist: A standardised checklist is used by both the Police and Grama Sevaka to document their findings. This checklist could cover but not be limited to the following:

• Restoration of the road and traffic flow.
• Removal of temporary barriers, signs, and debris, etc.
• Adherence to safety, environmental, and legal regulations.
• Confirm the quality of the completed work.
• Feedback from the local community on the quality and impact of the work.

Resolution of deficiencies: If any deficiencies are identified during the inspection, contractors are given a specific timeframe to rectify them. A follow-up inspection ensures compliance before final approval.

Final sign-off:

Once all requirements are met, both the police and the Grama Sevaka sign a Certificate of Completion, which acts as a formal record that the project has been inspected, approved, and meets compliance standards.

Record maintenance: Signed certificates and inspection reports are archived for future reference, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Benefits of a collaborative oversight framework

The introduction of a joint sign-off system provides several benefits:

• Enhanced public safety: By ensuring all safety protocols are met before reopening roads, risks to road users are minimised.
• Increased accountability: Contractors are held to higher standards, knowing that their work will be subject to detailed inspection by both police and Grama Sevaka officials.
• Improved quality of work: A formal inspection process incentivises contractors to deliver high-quality work, reducing the likelihood of substandard repairs or constructions.
• Community confidence: With visible oversight from trusted authorities, public confidence in infrastructure projects increases.
• Streamlined communication: A structured framework ensures seamless collaboration between police, Grama Sevaka officials, contractors, and the community.

Recommendations for implementation

• Training programs: Both police and Grama Sevaka officials should undergo training to familiarise themselves with construction standards, safety protocols, and inspection techniques.
• Standardised reporting tools: A unified checklist or digital reporting system can ensure consistency and efficiency during inspections.
• Real-time monitoring: Utilising technology, such as GPS tracking and real-time reporting apps, can enhance oversight and provide instant updates on project progress.
• Community awareness campaigns: Informing residents about the sign-off process can encourage community involvement and feedback.

By formalising the roles of police and Grama Sevaka officials in roadworks oversight and introducing a structured sign-off system, Sri Lanka can establish a robust framework for ensuring safety, compliance, and quality in infrastructure projects. This collaborative approach not only enhances accountability but also fosters trust between the authorities and the public, paving the way for sustainable development.

8.A citizen-driven monitoring platform: How it works

• The proposed solution revolves around a simple, user-friendly platform where the public can easily report roadwork-related issues. 
• The platform, accessible via a website and mobile app, allows users to upload photographs or videos documenting any issues they observe at roadwork sites. 
• These reports will be tagged with GPS coordinates to pinpoint the exact location of the problem, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in tracking.
• Once a report is submitted, it will be categorised into specific issues, such as poor signage, hazardous conditions, delays, or unkempt work areas. 
• The public will be able to upvote or comment on reports, drawing attention to the most urgent problems. 
• This crowdsourced approach ensures that the most critical issues receive immediate attention.

Authority dashboard: Real-time monitoring

• The heart of the platform lies in the dedicated dashboard for authorities. 
• Roadwork-related reports will be filtered, organised, and prioritised for review by the relevant municipal or public works departments. This dashboard will provide real-time insights into problem areas, enabling authorities to take immediate action.
• Through data analytics, authorities can track recurring issues, identify hotspots for frequent problems, and allocate resources more effectively. 
• With an interactive map showing reported issues, the dashboard will give authorities a visual representation of the most critical and urgent cases, helping them act swiftly.

Promoting transparency and accountability

• One of the key advantages of this platform is its ability to promote transparency and accountability. 
• Once a report is submitted, it can be tracked through the resolution process. 
• Updates on the status of the issue—whether it’s under review, in progress, or resolved—can be published on the platform for the public to see.
• This transparency not only helps keep authorities accountable but also builds trust with the public. 
• Citizens will feel more engaged in the process, knowing their concerns are being addressed and that their participation is valued.

Challenges and solutions

While the concept holds great promise, several challenges need to be addressed to ensure the platform’s success:

• Data verification: With the public submitting content, ensuring the accuracy of reports is crucial. The platform will employ AI-powered tools to flag potentially false or inappropriate content. Manual review will also be implemented to verify the validity of reports before they are shared with authorities.
• Privacy concerns: Privacy and security will be a priority. Users will have the option to report issues anonymously, and data encryption needs to be used to protect user information. Additionally, clear guidelines will have to be established to ensure that content does not infringe on privacy rights.
• Engaging authorities: Gaining buy-in from public works departments and ensuring their active participation in the platform is vital. By forming partnerships and creating KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for responsiveness, the platform will encourage authorities to act swiftly on reported issues.

The benefits: A safer, more efficient roadwork system

• This citizen-driven platform will have significant benefits for both the public and the authorities. 
• For the public, it provides an accessible way to voice concerns about roadwork issues and contribute to road safety. 
• By allowing citizens to participate in monitoring roadworks, the platform empowers individuals to take an active role in improving their communities.
• For authorities, the platform streamlines the process of identifying and resolving roadwork issues, reducing the time it takes to address public concerns. 
• It also helps allocate resources more effectively, improving the overall quality and safety of roadwork projects.
• Additionally, the platform’s transparency and accountability will help build trust between the public and the authorities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for road safety.

In an age where technology enables greater citizen participation, a platform that allows the public to report roadwork issues can play a pivotal role in improving road safety and infrastructure. By empowering citizens, enhancing accountability, and providing authorities with real-time data, this solution can create safer streets for everyone. With the right approach, this platform can not only solve pressing roadwork-related problems but also create a sustainable, transparent, and collaborative approach to public infrastructure management.

Global best practices for road infrastructure management

Sri Lanka can learn valuable lessons from countries that have successfully managed their road infrastructure systems.

• Singapore: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) coordinates roadworks with utility providers, minimising disruptions and ensuring efficient project execution.
• Germany: Germany’s strict quality control standards ensure that roads are durable, reducing the need for frequent repairs.
• Denmark: Denmark’s “dig-once” policy ensures that utility and road infrastructure projects are aligned, optimising resource use.
• India: India’s Smart Cities Mission leverages technology to monitor urban infrastructure projects in real time, improving efficiency and accountability.

Conclusion: A vision for improved infrastructure in Sri Lanka

The challenges facing Sri Lanka’s road infrastructure are significant but not insurmountable. With a concerted effort that integrates centralised oversight, stringent quality standards, enhanced public engagement, and the active participation of key stakeholders, the nation can rebuild its road systems to support long-term economic growth and societal well-being. The inclusion of local authorities, such as the police and Grama Sevaka officials, in the oversight process will ensure compliance, accountability, and transparency in every project. 

Furthermore, aligning these efforts with the President’s initiative for a cleaner and greener Sri Lanka underscores the commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

By adopting global best practices, leveraging technology, and fostering collaboration across sectors, Sri Lanka has the opportunity to transform its road infrastructure into a symbol of progress and resilience. Now is the time to act decisively and build a road network that not only meets today’s needs but also paves the way for a brighter, greener future.

(The author is a seasoned operations director, consultant, and writer, equipped with a diverse range of experience across fields such as 

business management, education, consultancy, and journalism.)