(UTV | COLOMBO) – Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has said that essential construction materials such as cement, iron, tiles, ceramic, aluminum will be imported and distributed by Ceylon Building Materials Corporation.
The minister mentioned that the prices of construction materials have been increased by the traders and steps will be taken to reduce the prices by intervening at the ministry level.
The Minister also said that he would discuss with the Treasury in the near future to get necessary financial facilities for importing machinery and raw materials for the construction industry under the Indian Credit Assistance Scheme.
Meanwhile, the government is focusing on disbursing the 122 billion rupees due to the contractors as soon as possible in several phases.
Accordingly, the minister mentioned that 20 billion rupees will be provided by the end of this year.
The minister further said that all remaining dues will be paid in the first quarter of next year.