Abstract:
One of the guiding principles used for structuring the policy of construction in Sri Lanka
is to ensure achieving sustainable development. Though the construction practitioners
in Sri Lanka are aware of sustainable construction practices, there is lack of verification
as to enthusiasm of the state policy that has been extended to this noble cause. A desk
review was carried out to demystify the existing policy directions. A comprehensive
literature survey was carried out to identify the drivers and barriers of its
implementation. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted among 100 individual
practitioners to gauge their perception and experience. 80 responses were received, 62
were considered valid for analysis. Data collected were then analyzed using the relative
importance index. It was revealed that the key driver is end user requirements and the
crucial barrier is lack of policies. Only 3 out of 17 dimensions have been at least
superficially earmarked within the policy framework. The study suggests that the uptake
of enhanced policies would indeed help in fostering sustainability. The outcome will be
valuable for the government officials to formulate a policy that truly promotes strategic
direction. This is the first local research on identifying policy gaps related to the subject
arena.
