Towards a sustainable future: advancing equity and inclusion through social procurement in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Existing construction procurement methods are largely driven by financial considerations such as minimising costs and meeting strict timelines. While these approaches ensure economic effi-ciency, they often neglect wider social outcomes, including equity, diversity, inclusiveness, and com¬munity empowerment. In response, social pro¬curement emerges as an alternative approach that integrates social objectives into procurement deci¬sions, guaranteeing that development is measured by its contribution to sustainable and inclusive growth, alongside financial returns [1]. Social pro¬curement can be described as awarding contracts, instead of to the most experienced or technically capable contractors, to groups that face barriers to the labour market, such as ex-convicts, unem¬ployed youth, women, marginalised communities, people with disabilities, and residents of under¬developed regions. Rather than selecting only the lowest bidder or the fastest option, this approach prioritises creating a framework of social value. It directly addresses the ‘social pillar’ of sustainabil¬ity by embedding social impact into procurement decisions. Typically, social procurement comple¬ments rather than replaces existing procurement systems. Thus, conventional procurement rewards price and timelines, whereas social procurement adds another layer: a chance to promote equal¬ity, diversity and inclusion, support small and so¬cial enterprises, and empower communities. This balances short-term needs with long-term social goals through smarter and more responsible deci¬sions.