Browsing by Author "Weddikkara, C"

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item: Conference-Abstract
Arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution method in the construction industry of Sri Lanka
Abeynayake, MDTE; Weddikkara, C; Construction Industry; Dispute Resolution.
The construction industry in Sri Lanka covers a complex and comprehensive field of activities. Disputes might arise at any point during the construction process. Dispute resolution systems are changed with the interaction of the parties. Arbitration is a voluntary procedure available as an alternative resolution to litigation, however not enforceable as the means of settling disputes except where the parties have entered into an arbitration agreement. Construction claims tend to be of the most technical nature - intensive and multifaceted than most other commercial disputes. The desirable features of arbitration are fast, inexpensive, fair, simple, flexibility, confidentiality, minimum delay. Sri Lanka Arbitration Act No. 11 of 1995 stated arbitration principles and UNCITRAL Model Law. However, there is a necessity to reviewing and improving of the arbitration practice periodically in order to minimise the cost and complexity of the procedure. This research is ultimately aims to assess significant attributes of arbitration in construction industry of Sri Lanka. This paper reports on findings gained from the literature review and preliminary survey conducted to explore the current status of arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution method in Sri Lankan construction industry. Current findings indicate that the construction professionals have minimum level of satisfaction on the current arbitration practice; however, they believe that arbitration is an effective mechanism for dispute resolution. The results of this study enabled to gain an understanding on the current arbitration practice and its significance and offer suggestions to improve s in the Sri Lankan construction industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
Arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution method in the construction industry of Sri Lanka
(2012-06) Abeynayake, M; Weddikkara, C; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
The construction industry in Sri Lanka covers a complex and comprehensive field of activities. Disputes might arise at any point during the construction process. Dispute resolution systems are changed with the interaction of the parties. Arbitration is a voluntary procedure available as an alternative resolution to litigation, however not enforceable as the means of settling disputes except where the parties have entered into an arbitration agreement. Construction claims tend to be of the most technical nature - intensive and multifaceted than most other commercial disputes. The desirable features of arbitration are fast, inexpensive, fair, simple, flexibility, confidentiality, minimum delay. Sri Lanka Arbitration Act No. 11 of 1995 stated arbitration principles and UNCITRAL Model Law. However, there is a necessity to reviewing and improving of the arbitration practice periodically in order to minimise the cost and complexity of the procedure. This research is ultimately aims to assess significant attributes of arbitration in construction industry of Sri Lanka. This paper reports on findings gained from the literature review and preliminary survey conducted to explore the current status of arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution method in Sri Lankan construction industry. Current findings indicate that the construction professionals have minimum level of satisfaction on the current arbitration practice; however, they believe that arbitration is an effective mechanism for dispute resolution. The results of this study enabled to gain an understanding on the current arbitration practice and its significance and offer suggestions to improve current arbitration practices in the Sri Lankan construction industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
Assessing the bim maturity in a bim infant industry
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2013-06) Jayasena, HS; Weddikkara, C; Sandayake, YG; Fernando, NG
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is rapidly gaining acceptance of building industries internationally, and is likely to become the primary industry standard for AEC information exchange in near future. The built-in intelligence of BIM offers the highest potentials for adopting lean approaches for project delivery, and minimizing of risks and uncertainties; enabling highly sustainable procurement systems for the building industry. While it is accepted that BIM is in its infant stage in Sri Lanka and BIM technologies are rarely present, adoption of BIM has been identified to be timely. Use of inappropriate BIM adoption strategies would waste valuable resources and time. This will also hinder the industry acceptance of BIM. Development of reliable strategies requires information on current BIM maturity in order to identify the gaps. Wider gaps in a BIM infant industry give rise to the number of potential alternative BIM adoption strategies. Thus, a coherent assessment of current context is crucial to chose most suitable strategies. Bew- Richards BIM Maturity Model and Succar's BIM Maturity Stages were the widely referred models used to ascertain the BIM maturity of an industry or an organization. However, these were found to be less useful to assess a BIM infant industry. The study proposes framework comprising four components, viz. collaborative processes, enhanced skill, integrated information and automated systems, and knowledge management.
item: Conference-Full-text
Assessing the BIM maturity in a BIM infant industry
(2015-04-01) Jayasena, HS; Weddikkara, C
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is rapidly gaining acceptance of building industries internationally, and is likely to become the primary industry standard for AEC information exchange in near future. The built-in intelligence of BIM offers the highest potentials for adopting lean approaches for project delivery, and minimizing of risks and uncertainties; enabling highly sustainable procurement systems for the building industry. While it is accepted that BIM is in its infant stage in Sri Lanka and BIM technologies are rarely present, adoption of BIM has been identified to be timely. Use of inappropriate BIM adoption strategies would waste valuable resources and time. This will also hinder the industry acceptance of BIM. Development of reliable strategies requires information on current BIM maturity in order to identify the gaps. Wider gaps in a BIM infant industry give rise to the number of potential alternative BIM adoption strategies. Thus, a coherent assessment of current context is crucial to chose most suitable strategies. BewRichards BIM Maturity Model and Succar’s BIM Maturity Stages were the widely referred models used to ascertain the BIM maturity of an industry or an organization. However, these were found to be less useful to assess a BIM infant industry. The study proposes framework comprising four components, viz. collaborative processes, enhanced skill, integrated information and automated systems, and knowledge management.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Assessment of housing quality in condominium development in Sri Lanka : a holistic approach
(2014-08-12) Gunawardana, DDA; Weddikkara, C
The provision and need for quality housing is one of the most significant issues and a growing concern facing Colombo’s rapid urbanization and increasing demand for housing. Condominium housing today has become a popular readymade solution to fill the void to meet with growing demands for accessible housing in the context of scarcity of land, infrastructure facilities and resources. However housing quality is given a lesser priority when meeting with quantity demands of the mid-income market which constitutes to a majority of condominium developments in the city. Quality is a fundamental aspect in the assessment of condominiums to enable livable and sustainable environments for dwellers. The significance of quality recognition lies in the totality of attributes that define and govern human perception of the built environment. A holistic approach to define the physical components of the built environment that is reflective of user evaluations is important to enable sustainable housing designs. The aim of the research is to facilitate an overall framework capable of assessing the components of the built environment. It is however not intended as a measurement tool based on technical evaluations but one that is formulated through people’s perception of quality elucidated through stakeholder opinions. The assessment identifies physical components of quality attributes that are most important for the respondents and define a set of subcomponents and value attributes relative to the housing complexes evaluated. The literature survey identified various tools and techniques used for quality evaluations and establish the housing quality indicator (HQI) as suitable and flexible model which can cover an objective assessment of housing quality evaluations through an overall perspective. The criteria established under the HQI were used for an expert opinion survey to derive a set of quality indicators that are most suitable for mid-income condominium evaluations. From the review of literature and the expert study on opinions of developers, professionals and academics in the housing industry, a list of quality variables have been identified in relation to the main criteria established under the HQI model. The evaluation of the final framework draws on quantitative and qualitative attributes that indentifies physical performances and values reflected on the built environment. The usability of the conceptual model was reestablished through final survey findings to test the developed model on selected schemes for evaluation purposes. Three key elements used for the further development of the model consisted of the conceptual framework re-established through the expert study, the questionnaire survey as a data gathering instrument and RII indices adopted for criteria assessments and comparisons. The framework recognizes different facets relative to mid-income group’s housing needs and the findings highlight attributes of Location, Accessibility, Neighbourhood, Sustainability though found significant to the respondents are the least prioritized by developers. Findings revealed that higher importance was placed by developers on basic amenities, unit size and internal arrangements that have direct impact on sellability. The findings of this study demonstrate that housing is more than mere shelter, but a combination of several factors forming a pattern that is extremely diversified. It confirms that housing quality reflects on the built environment, on people’s values and expectations. Quality improvements rely on the stakeholder evaluations on important attributes that define built quality in condominiums. It relies on the importance placed on environmental surroundings, and the socio-cultural recognition of the user group as well as the provision of amenities and functional housing units that promotes the health, convenience and emotional well-being of the occupants. To the mid-income group, identity and visual characteristics too played an important role in defining residential environments. The research aims to revalidate the importance of a holistic perception in evaluating built quality in condominium developments. Keywords: Condominium assessments, built quality, holistic perceptions
item: Conference-Full text
BIM software environment for projects in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2014-06) Jayasena, HS; Weddikkara, C; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
The term Building Information Modelling, or BIM, is not alien to Sri Lanka anymore; yet BIM has not become a reality in its construction industry. Being a BIM infant industry, Sri Lanka may wait a long time to adopt BIM by its own initiative. But the scenario will be different if a client demands for BIM. This creates the need that industry is aware of the best strategies suite them to effectively implement a project based on BIM. One of the key questions being asked is; what software should we use? In absence of empirical local knowledge, the only option is to device a solution from published knowledge. In order to achieve this, this paper presents a literature synthesis aimed to identify a suitable BIM software environment for Sri Lanka. By reviewing various aspects such as capabilities of applications, accuracy and sharing of data, information documenting, popularity of software and affordability against the technological aspects, a Plural Software Environment based on IFC data exchange was found to be the preferred solution for Sri Lankan context.
item: Conference-Full-text
Building information modelling for Sri Lankan construction industry
(2012-06) Jayasena, HS; Weddikkara, C; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is relatively a new buzzword in the Construction Industry; however BIM is not yet practiced in Sri Lankan construction industry and not many in the industry know about it. BIM is now becoming popular and likely to be industry standard for project design and hence a key tool in project procurement in future. Integration of BIM into project development life cycle would create deviations in traditional parameters of procurement systems. As a result, a construction industry in which building procurement is based on BIM is thought to be quite different from the today’s systems. The industry needs to understand its potentials in order to develop strategies for BIM integration. Under this context, a research is conducted with broader aim of integrating BIM in Sri Lankan construction industry. This paper is presented with its preliminary findings from a literature review on features and requisites of BIM, developing logical conclusions in terms of BIM’s potentials for Sri Lankan construction industry. It finds that BIM leads to a more efficient industry and will save both time and cost; and the technology is unlikely to be a significant barrier for BIM implementation.
item: Conference-Full-text
Critical analysis of alternative dispute resolution methods used in Sri Lankan construction industry
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2014-06) Abeynayake, M; Weddikkara, C; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Construction disputes are of highly technical in nature and in fact intensive and multifaceted than other commercial disputes. The litigation method is the traditional way of dispute resolution and drawbacks of litigation have opened up the ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ (ADR) methods. The desirable features of ADR methods are fast, inexpensive, flexibility, confidentiality, minimum delay. This research attempts to address the issues and conflicting areas of ADR methods in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Attempts have been made to identify and analyse problematic areas which are highly influencing the ADR methods. The aim of this research is to evaluate ADR methods and suggest improvements to the ADR methods in the Sri Lankan construction industry. This research is the result of surveys that were conducted to understand the experiences and usages of ADR methods. Two rounds of Delphi method surveys were conducted in order to identify problematic areas of ADR methods. Fifteen problematic areas and twelve potential improvements of ADR methods were identified during the Delphi survey round one. They were prioritised during Delphi method survey round two. Semi-structured interviews were used to get the extended view of the panel on top eight issues which were ranked in Delphi round two. A pivotal conclusion of this research is that the stakeholders in the construction industry prefer “negotiation” method. Usages and awareness about negotiation were highly appreciated by the construction industry professionals. Professionals had a low level of satisfaction on the current practice of arbitration. Overall expectation of the construction industry by application of ADR methods is to provide best solutions within a minimal time and without damaging the reputation of involved parties. It was revealed that construction industry expects quick remedy than the less cost solution. It further revealed that the stair-step model of dispute resolution strategy is the best. The research further makes recommendations in order to make ADR methods more effective and efficient.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Critical analysis of alternative dispute resolution methods used in the construction industry in Sri Lanka
(2015-07-09) Abeynayake, MDTE; Weddikkara, C
Critical Analysis of Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods used in the Construction Industry in Sri Lanka Construction disputes are of highly technical in nature and in fact intensive and multifaceted than other commercial disputes. With reference to the literature review, it is obvious that disputes in construction industry are may occur in certain circumstances. With the increase in construction activities in Sri Lanka, the construction industry of Sri Lanka needs a fast and cost effective dispute resolution method. The litigation method is the traditional way of dispute resolution and drawbacks of litigation have opened up the ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ (ADR) methods. The desirable features of ADR methods are fast, inexpensive, fair, simple, flexibility, confidentiality, minimum delay. However, ADR methods are also having issues like drawbacks and pitfalls apart from their respective advantages. This research attempts to address the issues and conflicting areas of ADR methods in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Attempts have been made to identify and analyse problematic areas which are highly influencing the ADR methods. The aim of this research is to evaluate ADR methods and suggest improvements to the ADR methods in the Sri Lankan construction industry. This research is the result of surveys that were conducted to understand the experiences and usages of ADR methods. Two rounds of Delphi method surveys were conducted in order to identify priorities and to observe the extended review of panel of industry experts who were engaged in ADR methods in the construction industry. The panel consisted the ADR facilitators, professionals, consultants, resource persons and contractors. Fifteen problematic areas and twelve potential solutions for improvements of ADR methods were identified during the Delphi survey round one. They were prioritised during Delphi method survey round two. Semi-structured interviews were used to get the extended view of the panel on top ten issues which were ranked in Delphi round two. A pivotal conclusion of this research is that the stakeholders in the construction industry prefer “negotiation” as an ADR method. Usages and awareness about negotiation were highly appreciated by the construction industry professionals. Professionals had a low level of satisfaction on the current practice of arbitration. Overall expectation of the construction industry by application of ADR methods is to settle disputes within a minimal time without damaging the reputation of involved parties. It should cater to that expectation by bridging the gaps such as not having a governing authority for ADR methods and also lower knowledge and awareness about ADR methods and in a case not having legal assent for some methods and low direction in standards conditions of contract. In this research ADR methods have been ranked as importance of critical attributes in ADR methods. It was revealed that construction industry expects quick remedy on than the less cost solution. It further revealed that the modernized stair-step model of dispute resolution strategy is the best. The research further makes recommendations in order to make ADR methods more effective and efficient.
item: Conference-Abstract
A Critical analysis on success factors of adjudication and arbitration practices in the construction industry of Sri Lanka
Abeynayake, MDTE; Weddikkara, C
Most of the construction contracts include Adjudication or Arbitration clauses. The construction industry needs a fast and cost effective means for dispute resolution. The desirable features of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) are being fast, inexpensive uses, simplicity and flexibility. Arbitration Act No 11 different principles of UNCITRAL Model Law. . To accomplish the aim and objectives of the research, a literature survey was conducted to find out available literature. The questionnaire was used in a survey to gather primary data from the people engaged in the construction industry. The analysis revealed the key success factors that affect the decision in the selection of adjudication and arbitration in Sri Lanka. The results of this study enable researchers to gain a better understanding on the current adjudication and arbitration practice, and suggestions for the development of adjudication and arbitration practice.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Customer relationship management in business to business organizations
(2015-02-07) Fernando, RP; Weddikkara, C
Customer Relationship Management in Business to Business Organizations Businesses are in a constant race to increase profits, keep the current customers and gain or poach new ones, competing for customers on the globalised market like never before. One of the many sets of tools aimed at aiding the interaction between supplier and customer are the Customer Relationship Management methodologies. Customer Relationship Management is aimed at building strong long and term relationships that keep customers coming back repeatedly. It aims to help organizations build individual customer relationships in such a way that both the firm and the customer get the most out of the exchange, providing both parties with long term benefits. The purpose of this research is to provide a better knowledge of the use of Customer Relationship Management in Businesses to Business firms. To reach this understanding, the dissertation starts with three research questions based on this purpose on which theory is collected. The three areas of concern are objectives, strategy and measurement of Customer Relationship Management. Based on a detailed literature survey about these questions a frame of reference is chosen and used to collect information from two large firms, i.e. Property Development Company and IT Company. These companies were studied through case analysis and compared to each other and to theory. The Data collected from them was primarily attained through structured interviews. The finding indicates that much of the explored theory regarding Customer Relationship Management is true for the Business to Business sector.There are however a few areas in which the firms diverge from theory, specifically those relating to the usages of estimated values such as loyalty and satisfaction in customer evaluations. It was also found that there is a lack of research in the areas of evaluation Customer Relationship Management. Furthermore, the findings indicatethat Customer Relationship Management in Business to Business focuses on the organizational aspects of Customer Relationship Management, and a strong goal in business is to unlock the information the employees have and store it in a place the business can own.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Framework of understanding for BIM adoption in a BIM infant industry : case of Sri Lanka
(2023) Jayasena, HS; Perera, BAKS; Weddikkara, C; Thurairajah N
Being a technological innovation with ability to address many of the problems in the construction industry, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has got significant attention both in academia and in practice. Proper strategizing of BIM adoption by both adopters and supporting agents is crucial for success. In this, inability to formulate structured understanding of BIM adoption decision context was found a limitation, and this study aimed to develop a framework of understanding of BIM adoption decision in a context of BIM infant industry taking Sri Lanka as a case. Affordances concept was utilized to conceptualize wide knowledge in BIM adoption into one framework. Introduced in ecological psychology, affordances are the potential uses or actions that an object or environment offers to a user. It is a versatile concept that could effectively represent not only what an adopter perceives and expects from BIM implementation, but also, what the adopter in fact can achieve from it. With the assertion that there is a generalizable underlying framework of BIM adoption decision that can be observed through socially constructed experience it caused, the study took a Retroductive Approach to theory with Critical Realism research philosophy. Data was collected through semi-structures interviews with nine participants purposively selected to maximize the breadth and depth of data. After each interview, an iterative inductive and deductive data analysis process was followed by developing thick narratives and qualitatively validating the developing framework with data thus far. Findings present the Affordance-led Framework of Understanding that can effectively capture the BIM adoption decision context in a BIM infant industry and offer a deeper contextualized view of BIM adoption decision that was absent in current innovation studies. Study findings contribute pertinent affordances as a new concept for which an equivalent concept or an explanation was not found either in behavioural or innovation adoption theories. While the framework supports the strategizing of BIM adoption, it has shown potential use in many other contexts even outside of construction. Keywords: Building Information Modelling, BIM, BIM Infant Industry, innovation, adoption
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The impact of inclusion of arbitration clause by reference in main contract and sub contract documents in the construction industry and its negative connotations
(2012-06) Korale, JC; Weddikkara, C; Korale, J.C. & Weddikkara, C. (2012). The impact of inclusion of arbitration clause by reference in main contract and sub contract documents in the construction industry and its negative connotations. In S. Senaratne & Y.G. Sandanayake (Eds.), Global challenges in construction industry (pp. 202-208). Ceylon Institute of Builders. https://ciobwcs.com/downloads/WCS2012-Proceedings.pdf; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
In construction contracts an arbitration clause comes into being, as an exclusive clause in the main contract or by reference to another contract. In the dispute resolution process the Arbitrator derive his power from the arbitration agreement and from the applicable law which invariably makes it mandatory for the arbitration clause to be in writing. Such clause prevents Court jurisdiction since party autonomy will prevail. Therefore, it is important to identify, which form of arbitration clause would serve the purpose, since the usage of such clause in the dispute resolution process may become void if it is incorporated by general reference. The Court will not allow proceedings unless the arbitration clause is properly constituted. The Arbitration Clause by reference in itself could lead to disputes! An arbitration clause in a contract comes into being through a separate agreement, as an exclusive clause in the main contract or by reference to another contract. Therefore, it is important to have a properly constituted clause, and if it is by specific reference or general reference, or both, it would pave the way for disputes. The arbitration clause is a self-contained co-lateral contract preventing Court jurisdiction and would survive even if the main contract is void. When the arbitration clause is incorporated with lacuna, the opposing party could successfully challenge its validity in Courts. Disputes can be compounded when a main contractor sub-contracts to another who in turn sub-contracts to others making reference to the terms of the main contract. In this context, this paper is presented with a literature review and English case law to show the importance of properly constituting an arbitration clause to reduce disputes in the construction industry.
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Improving indoor air quality from effective ventilation systems in office buildings in Sri Lanka
(2015-06-12) Dahanayake, KWDKC; Weddikkara, C
Indoor air quality (IAQ) becomes a major consideration in indoor environments as it directly affects occupants’ health and comfort. Sick building syndrome (SBS) and adverse perception on IAQ had become significant issues of poor IAQ in Sri Lankan context. These IAQ problems arise due to poorly designed, maintained, or operated ventilation systems. Further, different types of ventilation systems such as natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation have different impacts in IAQ. Yet, it is important to identify IAQ issues in order to improve IAQ through effective ventilation systems. Therefore, this research was aiming to identify IAQ issues with the intention of improving IAQ from effective ventilation systems in office buildings in Sri Lanka. A quantitative research approach based on questionnaire survey and observation were used in order to achieve the objectives. A statistical analysis was carried out to obtain findings of the research. The study revealed that occupants in naturally ventilated buildings were healthier compared to occupants in MVAC buildings.
item: Conference-Full-text
Improving indoor air quality from effective ventilation systems in office buildings in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2013-06) Dahanayake, KWDKC; Weddikkara, C; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG
Indoor air quality (IAQ) becomes a major consideration in indoor environments as it directly affects occupants' health and comfort. Sick building syndrome (SBS) and adverse perception on IAQ had become significant issues of poor IAQ in Sri Lankan context. These IAQ problems arise due to poorly designed, maintained, or operated ventilation systems. Further, different types of ventilation systems such as natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation have different impacts in IAQ. Yet, it is important to identify IAQ issues in order to improve IAQ through effective ventilation systems. Therefore, this research was aiming to identify IAQ issues with the intention of improving IAQ from effective ventilation systems in office buildings in Sri Lanka. A quantitative research approach based on questionnaire survey and observation were used in order to achieve the objectives. A statistical analysis was carried out to obtain findings of the research. The study revealed that occupants in naturally ventilated buildings were healthier compared to occupants in MVAC buildings.
item: Conference-Full-text
Mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method in Sri Lankan construction industry
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2014-06) Abeynayake, M; Weddikkara, C; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Litigation is a traditional mode of dispute resolution; disadvantages of litigation have paved the way for the development of ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ (ADR) methods for settlement of construction disputes. Mediation can be identified as commonly practicing ADR method in international construction industry. However, the current experience of mediation method in the Sri Lankan construction industry is not that much popular with compared to the other ADR methods. Hence, it is essential to review the suitability of mediation method for resolving disputes in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Literature review was done together with the preliminary survey for the collection of information. Research problem was approached through interviews of experts in the construction dispute resolution. Findings of the research identified the mediation process, advantages, disadvantages, barriers for the implementation of mediation method and best ways of establishment by overcoming the barriers. Results of the research indicate the process, practice and establishment of construction mediation is suitable for the Sri Lankan context. Further, this research is limited to the evaluating the suitability of mediation only in resolving construction disputes in Sri Lanka. Data and information collection were limited to the experienced ADR practitioners who having analytical knowledge in mediation practice. It further revealed that the mediation method for the dispute resolution in the construction industry is suitable. The research further makes recommendations in order to make mediation method more effective and efficient in the Sri Lankan construction industry.
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The Significant factors causing delay of building construction projects in Sri Lanka
(2015-10-06) Chandrasoma, WPKDN; Weddikkara, C
Delays are common in all type of construction projects and therefore delays are very significant for all types of construction projects. Mainly the fault or mistake is by client, architect,contractor and other stakeholders. The delay is considered as a widespread crisis in construction projects. The delay occurs as a result of an act or failure to act by contracting parties as well as by outside forces. Sri Lankan construction industry faces a significant rate of delays in project delivery. The causes of delays in construction in Sri Lankan have been identified and have been addressed individually by stakeholders. However, the delay occurs in almost all projects in Sri Lanka continuously.The purpose of this research was to identify the most significant causes of delays in construction in Sri Lanka. Following an in-depth review of literature's in various parts of the world, 44 causes of was first formulated. These identified causes were presented, based on Delphi technique, to a panel of experts from construction industry consisting of Senior Quantity Surveyors, Senior Project Managers, Senior Architects and Senior Engineers who are playing a managerial role. The experts were requested to express their opinion on the level of significance on each cause and the results were statistically summarized. It was observed that there are eight most significant causes of delays exist in Sri Lankan construction projects viz.; poor planning and scheduling, delay in obtaining permits and permissions,poor site management, design deficiencies, suspension of works by owner, contractor's financial difficulties, variations and slow decision making by owner. Out of these ten causes,poor planning and scheduling has recorded extremely significant and all other seven causes have recorded as very significant. The findings were slightly different to those of previous studies in other countries.
item: Conference-Abstract
Special features and experiences of the full- term dispute adjudication board as an alternative dispute resolution method in the construction industry of Sri Lanka
Abeynayake, MTDE; Weddikkara, C
Disputes in the construction industry are inevitable due to complexity and the multi-party involvement of the projects. With the increasing of the construction projects, the construction industry of Sri Lanka needs a fast and cost effective dispute resolution method. Drawbacks of litigation have opened up the ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ (ADR) methods to settle construction disputes. Dispute Avoidance Procedures which include Dispute Review Board (DRB) and Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB) are widely used in the dispute resolution of the construction industry since those procedures are encourage to resolve construction disputes at site level. After 30 years civil war in the north and east provinces in Sri Lanka, the foreign donor agencies have funded for the economic infrastructure development projects. DAB is used in Sri Lanka under the FIDIC 1999 (Red Book) specially for the foreign funded development projects. This research was carried out to provide suggestions to overcome barriers to implement the full term DAB practice in Sri Lanka because Sri Lankan construction industry mostly used Ad-hoc adjudication practice. Literature review was done together with the preliminary survey. The questionnaire survey and Semi structured interviews carried out among contractor and consultant organizations. The research findings revealed that a few of stakeholders knew the actual procedure of adjudication .The results of this study enable researchers to gain a deep understanding on the current DAB practice ,recognize significance of advantages and suggestions for the development of DAB in the construction industry of Sri Lanka.
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Special features, experiences and new trends in arbitration in the construction industry of Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2013-06) Abeynayake, M; Weddikkara, C; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG
In Sri Lanka, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as negotiation, conciliation, mediation, adjudication and arbitration can be identified as preferable alternatives for replacing traditional litigation as they would be more effective in time and cost. Arbitration is a voluntary procedure available as an ADR method to litigation. The main feature of arbitration is that it is consensual in nature and private in character. Arbitration Act of Sri Lanka No 11 of 1995 stated that arbitration principles and contents are based on UNCITRAL Model Law. At present, many parties to construction disputes have no interest in pursuing for arbitration. Therefore, professionals should take collective measures to increase the effectiveness of arbitration. With the increase in construction activity after 30 years of civil war the construction industry of Sri Lanka needs a fast and cost effective dispute resolution method. The aim of this research is to critically evaluate the arbitration method, its experiences and new trends as an ADR method in the construction industry of Sri Lanka, and suggest improvements to its practice in order to make arbitration procedure more effective. The research is to develop arbitration as an effective and efficient ADR method in the Sri Lankan construction industry.Literature review for the research was carried out together with the survey. The questionnaire survey was used among construction industry professionals. Accordingly, data collection was selected only from experienced professionals in the industry. This research is limited to the arbitration in the construction industry of Sri Lanka.
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A Study of the success of design and build procurement method for building projects in Sri Lanka
(2015-02-08) Rathugama, SR; Weddikkara, C
A Study of the Success of Design and Build Procurement Method for Building Projects in Sri Lanka Design and build procurement method is a delivery method in which the design and build contractor is contractually responsible for the design and build. According to Konchar and Sanvido (1998), the design and build procurement system has been shown as a method of efficient delivery and has gained its popularity abroad. However it does not receive the same popularity in the Sri Lankan construct industry because the traditional procurement method has been widely adopted in the Sri Lankan construction industry. This study first conducts a literature review to identify the factor that affects the selection of the design and build procurement method in general and then it gives an overview of the Sri Lankan Construction industry. In this research, the success of adopting Design and Build procurement method is investigated through analyzing the feedback of project stakeholders in the Construction industry in Sri Lanka by questionnaires. In this study, the surveyed parties include professional from consulting firms and construction firms (contractors) who has handle both private and public sector projects in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the popularity of the procurement method adopted in Sri Lanka is discussed the gain a better understanding of trends of the construction industry. The characteristics of different Design and Build procurement methods are also introduced and discussed. Apart from the above objective, this research also provides information for the stakeholders in the construction industry for reviewing and selecting an appropriate procurement method for the up-coming projects respectively. Keywords: Design and Build, Procurement, Key success factors