Abstract:
Emerging competencies for societal resilience to disaster within the built environment domain of Sri
Lanka were analysed in the aim of developing a professional doctoral (DProf) course through the
CADRE (EU-FP7) project. Competencies were compiled following the amalgamation of both
emerging market needs and skills within the built environment domain of Sri Lanka. In its
investigation, qualitative and quantitative data collection was facilitated through a literature review.
Data collection was conducted in respective to all stages of the construction cycle (i.e. Preparation,
Design, Pre-construction, Construction, Use). The analysis was conducted using resilience themes for
five thematic areas (i.e. social, technological, environmental, economic and institutional) in relation to
each stage of the construction cycle.
Despite local and national government bodies affecting a central role in policy, planning and
implementation of land use changes and construction, built environment professionals with specialised
expertise was minimal. Parallels were drawn regarding the gaps within the private sector and local
and national government, such as a critical need for skills development programmes to ensure a viable
skilled labour force and job security. Finally, it is critical for national and local government to enforce
existing certification systems and standards for skilled workers to ensure a safe, viable and
competitive construction industry.
