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Holcim (Lanka) Ltd., a member of the LafargeHolcim Group and a leading company in building materials, together with Maga Engineering Ltd., Sri Lanka’s leading construction and engineering company, officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 1 March, on working towards a path of sustainability for the Sri Lankan construction industry.

The MoU focuses on the two industry titans pledging to continue supporting the construction industry in its engagement in sustainable construction practices and to provide a platform of exchange for construction industry stakeholders’ to develop and share their particular knowledge, experience and professional skills within the industry.

Research shows that the Sri Lankan construction industry has continued to grow by approximately 20% since 2014. With the rapid urbanisation in Asia, it is important that green building practices with the use of fewer and more energy-efficient raw materials and resources are adopted in the construction industry. The partnership focuses on educating and changing the attitudes of the construction industry to become more sustainable and build green, led collaboratively by Holcim Lanka and Maga.

Commenting on the project, Holcim Lanka CEO Philippe Richart stated: “LafargeHolcim aims to drive the sustainable construction agenda and is committed to leading the initiative in every country we operate in. Through invaluable partnerships with corporate entities such as Maga, who share the same ambition, we are creating a platform to enhance awareness on the need to move forward towards sustainable construction within the industry. It is initiatives such as this that will positively contribute to Sri Lanka, as a nation looking to a greener future,”

Maga Engineering Ltd. Chairman and Managing Director M.G. Kularatne commented: “This great opportunity has enabled us to collaborate with Holcim towards creating a more sustainable and successful construction sector in Sri Lanka. With our experience in successfully delivering large-scale projects as well as sustainable buildings, we look forward to the positive impact of this collaboration which ultimately will benefit all industry stakeholders.”

The MoU’s objectives will be accomplished through the development and execution of four seminars to be held within the year, comprising top-level decision-makers and stakeholders from both private and public sectors, followed by the sharing of knowledge and expertise of best practices via Green building site-visits.

The first of the four breakfast sessions will be held on 9 March, centered on the timely topic ‘Sustainable Cities – Vision for the Sri Lankan Urban Transformation’. This will be followed by three programs later in the year on various aspects of sustainability in the construction industry as including present and future challenges, social responsibility, finance and regulations and architecture and techniques.

Guest speakers for the first session will include sough-after industry experts such as Dr. Uma Maheswaran – Managing Director of Surbana Jurong International Consultants Singapore, Nayana Mawilmada – Director General of Urban Development Authority, Lakshman Jayasekara – Project Director of Western Megapolis Planning Project and Jerry Chen – Senior Urban Economist of the World Bank.

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Sri Lanka’s largest construction firm Maga Engineering was ranked No. 4 in the Sting Corporate Accountability Index for year 2016, retaining its ranking from year 2014. The Sting Corporate Accountability Index is an independently researched analysis on the standing of corporate Sri Lanka against a model of responsible business practices.

Maga holds the distinction of being the only platinum-rated construction company in the index. Maga’s sustainability management framework which governs its activities adheres to the standards laid down by various international systems, while practicing integrity, enhancing customer value, good citizenship, accountability and teamwork.

“It is a great honour to be a Platinum rated company in the Corporate Accountability Index. From inception, our vision has centred on sustainable development and changing the landscapes around us, with least disturbance to the surrounding eco-system, to bring about positive change. This rating is also recognition of our efforts during a challenging year, and is a testimony to the great character of our organisation and the strength of our engagement with our stakeholders,” said Maga Chairman and Managing Director M.G. Kularatne.

During the year, Maga was involved in several noteworthy projects such as the 100-kilometre Anuradhapura-Trincomale Road, 47-storey Grand Hyatt Colombo and NSBM Green University Town. Maga have not only set local industry benchmarks, but global benchmarks with pioneering projects such as the 47-storey Clearpoint Residencies, which once completed, will be the tallest vertical garden in the world.

As a key organisational stakeholder of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Maga had the distinction of being the first Sri Lankan company to publish its sustainable performance under GRI G4 Guidelines.

(Daily FT : 05 January 2016)

The ceremony for awarding certificates for 100 youth craftsmen, who had successfully completed the six-month long Construction Craftsmen training program, was held on 29 December 2015, at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training.

The program was an initiative of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Maga Engineering Ltd., in collaboration with the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training, the National Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), and the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission.

Following an open call from all districts, the participants were screened based on their aptitude, provided with theoretical lectures, and practical on-the-job training sessions over a period of six months. The training program was conducted at two project sites of Maga Engineering – NSBM Green University Town, Homagama, and Fairway City Hotel, Colombo 01, in order to facilitate on-the-job training, under experienced and qualified construction industry experts. During the ceremony the participants were also able to obtain a recognised National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) accredited by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission.

Addressing the ceremony, Secretary to the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training, P. Ranepura said, “The Government has embarked on a program of rapid social and economic transformation, and we welcome participations and support extended to us by responsible corporate citizens. This public-private partnership is exemplary of what we can achieve working together. The labour force not only needs theoretical education, but practical skills as well in order to present themselves to the commercial world. I am sure with the skills gained from this training program these youth will make a positive contribution to the nation’s economy

Also addressing the event, ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Donglin Li highlighted that the training program not only provides decent employment opportunities, but also a sense of respect, social importance, and acceptance to the youth. “We certainly hope to take this sustainable model to other industries in the years to come,” he added.

Commenting on the program, Maga Engineering Chairman and Managing Director M.G. Kularatne said, “We recognised the importance of being part of this initiative at a time when the industry is facing a shortage of skilled masons. As such, the training programs were held at two of our prime construction sites and experienced employees were allocated to mentor the trainees. As a socially responsible employer, we are committed to partner ILO and the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training to produce skilled construction craftsmen and provide them with employment opportunities at our project sites across the island.We hope this landmark training programme will act as a benchmark in the construction industry, and can now be replicated to find a timely solution to a significant issue faced by our sector.”

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