The National Construction Workers Union has warned that continued increases in building material prices could push Sri Lanka’s construction industry towards collapse, criticising both the government and material manufacturers.

The price of a bag of cement has risen by nearly Rs. 300 over the past two to three months, NCWU General Secretary Supun Abeysekara told a media briefing, the Daily Mirror reported.

A bag that previously sold for around Rs. 1,900 is now retailing at Rs. 2,250, he said, while the Maximum Retail Price printed on some bags has reached Rs. 2,400.

Abeysekara carried a bag of cement to the briefing to illustrate the point, and accused manufacturers of raising prices gradually, placing an additional financial burden on consumers and contractors.

Labour shortage compounds the squeeze

The industry is already struggling with a severe shortage of skilled workers, many of whom have migrated overseas — including to Romania and Israel — in search of employment, the union said.

Rising prices for other materials, including aluminium and sand, are aggravating the position further.

Abeysekara warned that nearly 1.5 million people who depend on the local construction industry could be affected, and urged the relevant Minister and authorities to intervene, introduce effective price controls and establish regulations to prevent unfair pricing practices.

How the union’s figures compare with the announced revision

The union’s numbers do not line up neatly with the price revision reported last week, and the difference is worth stating plainly.

Cement prices were increased by Rs. 100 a bag on 8 November, moving a 50kg bag from a band of Rs. 2,100–2,250 to a band of Rs. 2,200–2,350, applying to both locally made and imported cement.

The union’s account differs in three respects. It describes a cumulative rise of about Rs. 300 over two to three months rather than a single revision; it gives Rs. 1,900 as the earlier price, which is below the bottom of the band reported before last week’s increase; and the Rs. 2,400 MRP it cites is Rs. 50 above the top of the band announced on Saturday.

These are not necessarily contradictions. Cement is sold at a range of prices by different manufacturers, retail prices vary from the printed MRP, and a union citing what members pay on site may be describing something different from an announced band. But the figures come from a trade union making a case for price controls, and no manufacturer or regulator is quoted in response.

Not reported

The Daily Mirror account does not name the manufacturers the union is accusing, name the Minister it is appealing to, or say where the briefing was held. It carries no response from cement producers, from the Consumer Affairs Authority or from the government, and does not explain the basis for the 1.5 million figure. It also does not say whether the union is seeking a formal price control order or an inquiry.