The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, despite many disparate Opposition comments, today we must speak to the Regulations under the Construction Industry Development Act, No. 33 of 2014. The CBSL Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for construction shows the All-Activity Index at 41.4% in April 2025, rising to 59.7% in May (despite April being a festive month), 58.6% in June, and 62.2% in July—indicating a positive recovery: stability of prices, increasing employment, rising purchase indices and orders. Compare this with the collapse in past years due to failed political leadership and short-sighted policy-making that led to mass job losses across the construction value chain and stalled mega-projects.

¶ 02 Now, the public has given a fresh mandate to unite and rebuild. The construction sector is reviving, creating jobs, strengthening markets, attracting investors, and rebuilding confidence that projects can proceed without bribes and “Mr. Ten Percent.” Courts are independent; we no longer see judicial processes being subverted by those who fall from power. With competent entrepreneurs, robust insurers, banks, and chambers—and efficient public officials—what is essential is sound political leadership and policy-making.

¶ 03 Under the 2014 Act, the Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) is empowered to register and grade contractors and accredit adjudicators, and to promote the industry. Political interference previously hampered it; now it can act independently. Adjudicators are the neutral parties to resolve disputes in construction contracts. The renewal fee for adjudicator registration is being reduced from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 5,000—supporting smoother dispute resolution. With such calibrated legal measures, we expect progressive sectoral growth. Do not attempt to bankrupt this journey as a bankrupt Opposition—inside or outside Parliament. Thank you.