Construction & Real Estate

Across the island, a wide-ranging infrastructure development campaign is unrolling to expand Sri Lanka’s production capacity, efficiency and productivity, with the added aim of reducing regional disparity. Building and infrastructure projects are expected to strengthen the country’s economy, with the ultimate aim of achieving high-income, sustainable economic growth for all Sri Lankans. Various programmes are set to span the entire spectrum of infrastructure assets, encompassing transport, housing and urban development, hospitals, water supply and sanitation, and industrial areas including warehouses and logistic centres. Although Colombo’s high-end luxury property such as hotels, condos and retail outlets comprise the main draw, other areas – such as Galle and Colombo’s suburbs – are also receiving increased attention and investment from both foreign and domestic sources, as well as from expats looking to return home after the cessation of a decades-long civil conflict in 2009.

This chapter contains interviews with Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Megapolis and Western Development; Susantha Ratnayake, Chairman, John Keells; and Wong Heang Fine, Group CEO, Surbana Jurong.