Browsing by Author "Wijekoon, WMCLK"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

item: Thesis-Abstract
A Critical review of mobilization advance payment and contractors' cash flows
Wijekoon, WMCLK; Perera, A
This research addresses the determination as to whether the Mobilization Advance Payment is actually necessary in the Sri Lankan construction industry, its effect on contractors' cash flow and whether it is a motivation for the contractors. Accurate cash flow forecasting is essential to all contractors in the construction Industry for successful operation and existence in the long run. At initial stages of a project the cash flow aspect of the contractor is negative. The main role of project financing is to cover up this negative flow in a beneficial, cost effective manner. Mobilization Advance Payment enhances the quality and productivity in the construction industry. It improves the performance and cost efficiency of the contractors as well as the clients. Cash data in relation to thirty projects were collected. Three criteria, no Mobilization Advance, 20% of the initial contract sum as the Mobilization Advance paid at the inception of the project and 20% of the initial contract sum as Mobilization Advance given in stages, were identified to determine the differences in the effects of cash flow. The effect of these different criteria on the cumulative cash flow was examined. Further Scheduled Performance Index was calculated for further analysis. Results show and confirm that Mobilization Advance Payment has a big bearing on the contractors' existence and their motivation towards attaining objectives of the project. Research confirms that Mobilization Advance Payment is a necessity in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Further it can be confirmed that the provision of Mobilization Advance Payment is very essential for the Sri Lankan contractors. Key Words: Mobilization Advance Payment, Cash Flow, Stage Payments, Scheduled Performance Index
item: Conference-Full-text
Exploratory study on adaptability of wall-mounted solar panels for high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka
(Department of Building Economics, 2024) Yahanpath, R; Wijekoon, WMCLK; Kumarathunga, JU; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
The global energy crisis and the unsustainable resource consumption patterns of the construction industry has driven a growing interest in sustainable practices. The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, has emerged as a key strategy to achieve sustainability goals. While various applications of solar systems exist, wall-mounted solar panels have not been widely utilised in Sri Lanka, and no prior research has been conducted on this topic in the country. This study acts as an exploratory study which aims to investigate the feasibility and adaptability of implementing wall-mounted solar panels in high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka. Data was gathered through a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts on solar energy and construction practices. The study found several barriers towards the implementation of wall-mounted solar panels in Sri Lanka. Notably, the effectiveness of the wall-mounted solar panel system was found to be hindered by the path of the sun in Sri Lanka. The absence of proper regulations or Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) specific to wall-mounted solar panels presented an additional challenge. Despite the barriers identified, expert interviews revealed potential strategies to overcome these challenges. The findings of this research study contribute to the understanding of the feasibility of implementing wall-mounted solar panels in high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka, shedding light on the unique context and factors influencing their adoption. This study underscores the importance of considering local factors and developing appropriate regulations to promote sustainable energy practices in the construction industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
Impact of economic crisis on employees of contractors’ organisations in the Sri Lankan construction industry
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) De Silva, SS; Wijekoon, WMCLK; Kalugala, C
The construction industry contributes more than 6% of the GDP of the Sri Lankan economy, employing workers at different levels of the value chain. The economic crisis in the country from 2019-2022 has had a significant impact on contractors’ organisations in the Sri Lankan construction industry, resulting in job losses, pay cuts, and reduced working hours. Hence this study aims to investigate the impact of the economic crisis on the employees of contractors’ organisations in the Sri Lankan construction industry, the most affected level of employees, and propose strategies to minimise the impact on the most affected level of employees. This study has been done using the mixed-method approach. Thirty-three (33) employees participated in a questionnaire survey and seven (7) managerial-level professionals were interviewed who are currently engaged in construction projects. This study has explored the levels of employees including technical, supervisory, and similar levels, professional level, administration, and managerial level. Further, this study provides the strategies adopted by the employees and the contractors to overcome the impact of the crisis, including measures to enhance productivity, cost reduction strategies, and access to financial support. The findings of the study will provide insights into the impact of the economic crisis on the construction industry in Sri Lanka and inform policy recommendations to support affected workers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry in a resilient way.