26th July 2017. Colombo, Sri Lanka: UltraTech Cement Lanka and the Institution of Engineers of Sri Lanka signed an MoU, pledging to continue their partnership to offer free expert engineering advice through Building Clinics to homebuilders island wide. The Building Clinic offers professional advice free of charge to people with no access to technical knowledge and engineering information. The MoU, effective from 1 June 2017, pledges to conduct Building Clinics in various parts of the country for the next two years.
The timely initiative is especially pertinent in light of new building regulations and natural hazards such as landslides and floods which now have a heightened effect on construction in Sri Lanka.
“Over the past two years, UltraTech Cement Lanka and IESL have conducted six Building Clinics in areas such as Kaluthara, Kurunegala, Kandy and Gampaha, impacting hundreds of homebuilders, contractors and masons. UltraTech Cement Lanka and IESL are committed to the advancement of Sri Lanka’s home building industry, disseminating knowledge and best practices to those unable to afford or access expert advice. I am glad to see this partnership continue and look forward to developing and empowering Sri Lankan homebuilders,” commented Mr. Kiran Redkar, Chief Executive of UltraTech Cement Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
“This is a significant MoU as this partnership is well-aligned to the country’s current construction needs and UltraTech Cement Lanka’s vision to empower and develop Sri Lanka’s construction industry. The Building Clinic dispenses personalized and one-on-one engineering advice and construction expertise to individual home builders, contractors, masons and prospective home owners. Initiatives such as these bridge knowledge gaps in the industry and help apply best practices to suit local needs and specialized building conditions,” stated Sandeep Holey, Senior General Manager – Marketing & Technical at Ultratech Cement Lanka.
“The Building Clinic’s relevance is especially heightened when taking into account the developments impacting the industry. It provides a valuable opportunity for the public to obtain quality technical information on all aspects of homebuilding from a panel of construction experts and we are delighted to see this much-needed public initiative continue,” said Eng. Ananda Silva from UltraTech Cement Lanka.
Eng. (Prof.) Mrs. Niranjanie Ratnayake – President Elect of IESL, Eng. Niyas Samad – Chairman, Civil Engineering Sectional Committee of the IESL, Eng. Champika Nawagamuwa – Team Leader Civil Engineering Sectional Committee of the IESL, Eng. Probodha Jinasena, who championed the concept of the Building Clinic, Eng. Ananda Silva, who actively coordinates the programmes, and Sandeep Holey, Senior General Manager – Marketing & Technical at Ultratech Cement Lanka, were among the attendees at the MoU Signing Ceremony.
The Building Clinic offers advice on construction related queries such as proper land selection, geo- technical issues, building services, structural designs, electrical, plumbing and sewage and also raises awareness on sustainability and affordable design.