Masons to register with Govt.

By Yohan Perera and Kelum Bandara
The Construction Industry Development Bill, under which that makes the masons and other workers in the construction sector as how to register with the government was passed with amendments in Parliament yesterday.
Construction and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weeerwansa presented the Bill and said that the new legislation would bring about essential changes to the construction sector.
Accordingly, he said that a Construction Technology Development Authority (CTDA) would be set up under the Bill and it would replace the Institute of Construction and Training Development (ICTAD) under this new legislation. He also said two funds, namely Construction Industry Development Fund and Construction Industry Authority Fund would be set up to strengthen the construction industry.
Further, Mr. Weerawansa said that a special board would also be set up to settle disputes in the sector and said it is designed with an objective of settling disputes in the construction sector without filing legal action.
Another distinctive feature of the Bill, is the registration of masons and other service providers in the sector.
The debate became stormy when UNP MPs including Nalin Bandara and Ranjan Ramanayake came up with various issues, including awarding of tenders in the construction sector.