Emerging competencies within national and local government for societal resilience to disasters in Sri Lanka

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.