Future skill needs in municipal engineering in Sri Lanka

This paper addresses the challenges faced in municipal engineering management for sustainable development in Sri Lanka and identifies the need for improving the quality of life of low-income urban populations with the participation of relevant stakeholders. The paper also identifies the training needs for managing the identified challenges and assesses the municipal engineering management segment of local government. In Sri Lanka, there has been a long-felt need for the training of technical personnel with a view to building their capacity to manage future needs and cater for current demands at local authority level. The research and training division of the municipal engineering management section has recently carried out a fact-finding exercise to determine the nature of technical personnel associated with local authorities. This project has recognised the fact that existing staff skills in urban local authorities need to be strengthened in order for them to fulfil their role in municipal engineering management and to assume greater responsibilities in the profession of urban services. The training programme will enhance this particular segment of local government employee skills in municipal finance management, municipal engineering and environmental management.