Rising building material prices could push construction industry into decline, union warns

Continuing increases in the price of construction materials could push Sri Lanka's construction industry into decline, the National Construction Workers Union has warned, criticising both the government and building material manufacturers.

Speaking at a media briefing, the union's general secretary Supun Abeysekara said the price of a bag of cement had risen by around Rs 300 over the past two to three months. A bag that once sold for about Rs 1,900 now retails at Rs 2,250, and the maximum retail price printed on some bags has reached Rs 2,400, he pointed out.

Abeysekara, who carried a bag of cement on his shoulder as he spoke to make his point, accused manufacturers of gradually raising prices and placing an additional financial burden on consumers and contractors.

The industry is already struggling with a shortage of skilled workers, he said, noting that many have left for countries including Romania and Israel in search of work. If material costs keep climbing at this pace, he warned, ongoing projects could stall and the sector's recovery would be put at risk.