A training programme that qualifies young people as “Construction Assistants” began on Monday at the Sinha Regiment Corps Headquarters in Ambepussa, in an attempt to fill a labour shortage in an industry that has vacancies but cannot attract workers, the Daily Mirror reported.
The first intake is 40 young people identified by the Mahaweli Authority from Mahaweli System C.
The problem it targets
Officials behind the scheme have put the shortage down to the character of the jobs rather than their availability. Three factors were identified: the job titles themselves — “labourers”, “helpers” and “assistants” — the low social recognition attached to them, and the informal nature of the work, carried out without formal terms of service or social security benefits such as EPF and ETF.
That diagnosis shapes the remedy. The programme offers a new job title, and on completion participants are referred directly to construction companies offering fixed salaries, EPF and ETF benefits and other allowances — converting casual site labour into contracted employment.
What the course involves
The five-day residential programme at the Ambepussa Army Camp covers basic knowledge of the construction sector, workplace discipline and professional conduct, teamwork and other core skills. Those who complete it successfully are designated Construction Assistants.
It is being run jointly by the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, the Sinha Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army, the National Construction Association and the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority.
The launch was attended by Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe, Ministry Secretary Eng. Kumudulal Bogahawatta, Army Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Janaka Pallekumbura, Mahaweli Director General Jayantha Herath and the President of the National Construction Association.
Not reported
The report does not say how many intakes are planned, what the programme costs or who funds it, or how many Construction Assistants the scheme aims to place. It gives no figure for the size of the shortage it is meant to close, and does not name the construction companies that have agreed to take on graduates or state what salary level is on offer.
It also does not say whether five days of residential training carries any recognised certification — from the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission or the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority — or whether the designation is specific to this programme. Nor does it explain why the first intake was drawn exclusively from Mahaweli System C, or whether selection will widen to other districts.
