Sri Lanka’s construction industry is entering a new phase of recovery after years of economic disruption, supply shortages, and project delays. The revival brings optimism but also new demands. It requires readiness across technology, operations, and human resources to ensure that growth is both sustainable and globally competitive. Chaminda Ranawana, Executive Director of DIMO and head of the Construction Machinery segment, says the industry’s resurgence must be built on strategic modernisation.
Rebuilding Momentum in Construction
“With renewed confidence from multilateral funding and the revival of large-scale infrastructure projects in roads, bridges, and water supply, the sector stands poised for steady growth of 5–8% in the coming years. Maintaining this momentum will depend on capable partners bringing world-class technology, engineering expertise, and reliable service to the field,” Ranawana says. Yet, years of economic uncertainty have driven many skilled professionals abroad, leaving a significant capability gap in local expertise.
Ranawana warns that the shortage of experienced equipment operators, mechanics, and technicians could hinder progress if not addressed urgently. “Awarding major infrastructure projects to local contractors would help preserve our skilled workforce, while consistent government policies should focus on technical training, certification, and professional development. Our ground-level professionals are the true backbone of Sri Lanka’s development; empowering them is essential to sustaining the industry’s momentum,” he adds.
Bridging the Industry’s Skills Gap
DIMO is addressing this skills gap through expanded technical training and certification programmes nationwide. In partnership with leading vocational institutes and global OEMs, the company provides operator training, simulator instruction, and structured apprenticeships. These initiatives aim not only to build technical competence but to elevate the profession, recognising skilled workers as vital to national development. Ranawana notes that close coordination between private investment and government policy will be essential to sustain this progress.
Aligning training initiatives with major infrastructure projects, he says, will help rebuild a resilient workforce ready to drive Sri Lanka’s next phase of growth. Alongside workforce development, the industry is also embracing technology that improves productivity and efficiency. DIMO is leading this shift, introducing advanced solutions such as KOMTRAX, Komatsu’s telematics platform, which tracks equipment health and performance in real-time. The company is also deploying GPS-assisted grading and fleet analytics to optimise operations and support data-driven decision-making across sites.
Sustainability as a Competitive Edge
At the same time, sustainability has become a defining factor in the industry’s competitiveness. DIMO’s early adoption of hybrid and low-emission machinery reflects this forward-looking approach. The introduction of Komatsu hybrid excavators and telematics-based efficiency has set new standards for fuel savings and environmental responsibility. Through equipment remanufacturing and systematic parts recycling, DIMO is extending machinery lifecycles and embedding sustainability into Sri Lanka’s construction sector. As donor-funded projects increasingly prioritise green practices and environmental regulations tighten, these technologies will be vital in aligning the local industry with global standards while strengthening long-term resilience.
Building for the Future
With the construction boom gathering pace, the industry now demands integrated, high-performance solutions. Rising to this challenge, DIMO has expanded its portfolio and packaged offerings through its world-renowned global partners such as Komatsu, Bomag, and Kaeser, providing end-to-end solutions from a single trusted source. The company is also enhancing its after-sales network and technical capabilities to ensure maximum uptime and reliability for contractors across the island. “We are not waiting for demand to arrive; we are preparing ahead to ensure the nation’s builders can depend on us when the momentum peaks,” says Ranawana.
Recognising that project timelines are unforgiving, DIMO has reinforced its readiness across inventory, spare parts, field support, and technology. Its mobile maintenance units, regional hubs, and predictive maintenance programmes enhance service coverage and minimise downtime. In parallel, DIMO’s partnerships with financial institutions provide flexible leasing and rental options, enabling even smaller contractors to access world-class machinery.
As the government continues to lead major infrastructure initiatives, Ranawana highlights the need for policy consistency and collaboration to strengthen the local construction ecosystem. He sees DIMO as a key enabler of this transformation — committed to equipping every stakeholder, from national contractors to ground-level operators, with the right tools, knowledge, and support to build a stronger Sri Lanka.