Challenges for project selection and execution of public-private partnership projects in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) have grown in popularity in developing countries as a means of engaging the private sector in the building of public infrastructure. Determining the most suitable PPP model for construction projects in Sri Lanka is challenging due to the unique economic, social, and political context of the country. To identify these challenges, the research adopted a mixed approach, with questionnaire surveys, and expert interviews utilised to obtain data. Six expert interviews with experts who have more than 15 years of expertise in the field were selected for the preliminary survey, and forty-three project managers, engineers, quantity surveyors, and procurement specialists who were involved with PPP projects were subsequently selected for the questionnaire survey. Manual content analysis was used to examine the interview results. Relative Importance Index (RII) and manual content analysis were both applied to evaluate the questionnaires. The results disclosed that selecting a PPP project depends on several factors. Those Selection factors were categorised under economical, technical, legal, financial, and environmental considerations. Additionally, ten challenges were identified with the selection and execution of PPP projects to implement a selection criterion for PPP projects. Overall, a comprehensive assessment of the project's economic, technical, legal, financial, and environmental implications should serve as the foundation for the selection criteria as the recommendation. These findings will aid industry professionals in selecting a PPP project that will promote long-term economic growth in Sri Lanka.