2017 Archive | Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka

Maga wins Best Corporate Citizen Award for Environmental Integration

Sri Lanka’s leading construction firm Maga Engineering received recognition for its pioneering efforts in the field of environmental integration at the Best Corporate Citizens Sustainability Awards (BCCSA) 2017 organized by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The company was also adjudged one of the Ten Best Corporate Citizens in Sri Lanka.

The company emerged as the category award winner for Environmental Integration in recognition of its best-in-class performance in integrating environmental concerns into core business practices, including the promotion of sustainable buildings and reduction of its environmental footprint through resource efficiency and use of renewable resources. Of particular note was the successful completion of two landmark Green Building projects during the year, that have not only set local standards but global benchmarks — Clearpoint Residencies in Rajagiriya, the tallest vertical garden in the world and the NSBM Green University Town in Homagama, which is the first green University in the South Asian region.

Clearpoint Residencies in a 47-storey green building with cantilevered terraces on each floor that contain a variety of hand-picked, nursery-nurtured plants. These planted terraces offer the building a unique character while providing many benefits: Formation of a green cover provides a natural cooling system for the entire building, resulting not only in a fresher, more relaxing atmosphere, but less energy spent on air-conditioning. This blanket of trees endows the building with an innate soundproofing system. It also provides shade and buffer radiant heat. Oxygen Produced during the daytime provides cleaner air, while leaves act as a natural filter for dust. Clearpoint is also the first high-rise building in Sri Lanka to contain fully-fledged rainwater harvesting, automated drip irrigation, grey water recycling and solid waste disposal systems, as well as solar panels that can power all its common areas.

NSBM Green University town is a BCA Greenmark rated green building that will eventually house 30,000 students and offer state-of-the-art educational facility that has incorporated many energy-efficient principles. Established under the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training, the building was ceremoniously opened in October 2016. In addition to the above, Maga has also helped found the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka, whose pioneering efforts in developing and implementing the Green SL Rating System has enabled many Sri Lankan companies to embrace principles of green building design and construction.

Commenting on the awards, the Chairman & Managing Director of Maga Engineering Mr. M. G. Kularatne noted: “The construction sector inherently has a larger ecological footprint than most sectors. Therefore, we hold a deep responsibility towards doing our best to minimize this adverse footprint, and go one step beyond by creating a positive impact through the built environment. With Clearpoint Residencies in particular, we, together with Milroy Perera Associates, took the bold step of fully integrating sustainability principles into a large-scale commercial venture. The unique project presented us many technical and operational challenges, but we had clear design intent from the start and an amazing construction team. We are proud to note that it was designed and constructed by an entirely Sri Lankan team of architects, engineers and construction professionals. I believe through this project we were able to prove that commercial considerations and ethos of sustainable development can indeed coexist. Therefore, we hope this project will act as a catalyst for the real estate sector and help give new direction to the nation’s upcoming infrastructure.”

The above awards also endorse Maga’s investments in developing its supply chains and communities across the country over the last few years. The company remains focused on service and product excellence and is committed to its vision of creating lasting socio-economic value for all stakeholders. Being a multidisciplinary construction company, Maga offers a diversified range of construction and allied services across industrial, government, real estate and commercial sectors in Sri Lanka.

Maga Engineering to train 375 Construction Craftsmen in partnership with Ministry of Skills Development

Sri Lanka’s leading construction company, Maga Engineering entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training to provide training to 375 construction craftsmen under the Ministry’s Employment Linked Training Programme (ELTP) yesterday.

The training programme is funded by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

The programme will be specially tailored to address the needs of the construction industry and fulfill the skill and knowledge gaps of construction craftsmen. It will be a practical-oriented programme which aims to give the selected applicants theoretical knowledge on their particular craft coupled with practical on-the-job training sessions.

The participants for the program will be screened based on their aptitude and their competencies will then be developed in a holistic manner.

Under this programme, 50 Reinforcement Craftsmen, 20 Plumbers, 10 Road Construction Site Equipment Operators, 20 Road Construction Craftsmen, 20 Scaffolders, 20 Tilers, 10 Welders, 110 Masonry Craftsmen, 20 Painters, 10 Occupational Health and Safety Officers, 75 Wood Craftsmen, 20 Painters and 10 Laboratory Assistants will be trained at Maga’s constructions projects under the guidance of experienced and qualified resource personnel.

Upon successful completion of the programme, the participants will be awarded with National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 certification, accredited by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the programme, Chairman & Managing Director of Maga Engineering, Mr. M G Kularatne said: “We are thankful to the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training for this great initiative. In the fast evolving construction industry, there is a grave need for skilled craftsmen and Maga is proud to play a lead role in attracting and developing more youth through public-private partnerships such as this, which is the way forward.”

The training programme aims to serve social objectives by channeling the potential and strength of youth in Sri Lanka to produce a construction workforce capable of delivering world class results. Upon successful completion, the participants will have the opportunity to find employment within the company and will be able to independently handle site work and supervisory operations.

The training program will be launched this month and will be completed within one year.

Aster & Maga join hands to elevate the Nugegoda Skyline

Aster Residencies (Pvt) Ltd announced the launch of Aster Residencies, a unique apartment project in the heart of Nugegoda. This BOI approved apartment project comes to light as a joint venture between Aster Residencies and Maga Engineering, the leading construction company in the country.

Situated in the tranquil environ of Poorwarama Road Nugegoda, this apartment complex encompasses 10 residential floors which offer 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and a limited number of Penthouses equipped with high quality finishes and modern fittings. The layout of each apartment has been thoughtfully designed to maximize the use of floor space, and the result is the fully-fledged abode of your dreams. There are 48 apartment units in total.

Commenting on the project, Chief Executive Officer of Aster Residencies (Pvt) Ltd Chandima Anton Dilruk said, “With our successful investments under many businesses portfolios, we now enter into real estate with Aster Residencies project. Ours is a project which offers the best housing solution to our prospective customers who seek to reside in the bustling town of Nugegoda. The location chosen for the project is definitely a place where one can alleviate, indulge and rediscover modern living. Our objective behind the project is to build high quality yet affordable apartments.”

“We are proud to partner with Maga Engineering, the leader of Sri Lanka’s construction industry, who have showcased their expertise through its involvement in many landmark condominium projects in Sri Lanka,” he further added.

Attractively priced to offer modern living, the significance of Aster Residencies is highlighted with its design which stands compatible with the needs of corporate sector managers, executives and entrepreneurs who seek higher standards of living coupled with the convenience to access the city of Colombo and reduce travel time losses.

Commenting on the project, Chairman & Managing Director of Mäga Engineering M. G. Kularatne said, ‘It is indeed a pleasure for us at Maga to partner with Aster Residencies. I am quite sure that this project will fill the vacuum in the area for high quality apartments at a competitive price point. We have deployed an exceptional project team to bring this project to life and deliver on our commitment to provide housing of exceptional quality.”

The residents of Aster Residencies will have access to a range of high end lifestyle amenities such as a swimming pool, kids pool and play area and modern gymnasium, thus promoting healthy living. The rooftop features modern recreational options including a BBQ area for residents to hold social events. It also provides CCTV monitoring with 24 hour security that ensures privacy and safety of residents and their property. All apartments offer facilities such as hot and cold water, air conditioning, a gas system with individual meters, reliable fire protection and alarm systems and high speed broadband/entertainment connectivity. The apartment complex also includes service balconies, separate maid’s room and washrooms, differently-abled access and driver’s rest rooms and a fire command centre.

The architect for the project is OENS Design Studio, headed by Architect Nihantha Munasinghe, who elaborated further on the design intention: “The project targets the ultimate satisfaction of its end users, offering them the benefit of efficient and correct space-planning contained in a simple building form. Optimum space utilization in the apartments provides the occupants with comfortably sized rooms, unparalleled views, maximum light, ventilation, privacy and security. The apartment complex is equipped with all modern comforts without compromising quality and affordability.”

Prospective buyers can reach Aster Residencies through 077-008-8800 or 077-009-9933 and arrange a visit to the location.

Chairman of Maga Engineering honoured as “Deshabandu” at National Awards Ceremony

Mr M.G. Kularatne, the founder and Chairman of Maga Engineering was bestowed with the national honour “Deshabandu” at the recently concluded National Presidential Awards 2017 ceremony.

The prestigious awards ceremony, which was held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena, was held to celebrate the achievements of extraordinary Sri Lankan professionals from various fields and sectors, for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of the nation. The 2017 awards ceremony was held after 12 years, and 90 outstanding individuals were honoured at the event held at Colombo’s Nelum Pokuna Theatre on 20 March 2017.

The “Deshabandu” title is a rare lifetime national honour held by only 150 living title holders at any given time, and is bestowed in recognition of a distinguished service of a meritorious nature to Sri Lanka. It is presented with a citation and a Silver Medal bearing the symbol of a peacock.

A graduate of the University of Ceylon, Mr M.G. Kularatne is recognized as an astute leader who guided Maga Engineering from a small constructor to become Sri Lanka’s largest and most trusted construction company. His remarkable story of courage, resolve and resilience has inspired many young professionals in the country, and is testimony to the power of singular vision and fortitude that can overcome any obstacle along the way.

Joining the Sri Lanka Army after graduation, Mr Kularatne was elevated to the rank of Captain in 1968. Subsequently, he received the opportunity to work under the mentorship of several leading Japanese construction companies in the world that laid the foundations for his career, including as the Administration Officer at the New Parliament project at Sri Jayewardenepura for Mitsui Construction of Japan and as the Chief Administration Officer at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital Project for Kajima Corporation of Japan. He also served as the special advisor to Takenaka Komuten Co Ltd of Japan at the New International Passenger Terminal Project at the Colombo International Airport. Mr Kularatne established Maga Engineering in 1984, endowing it with the strategies of construction management and a unique work culture that made it a model construction company in the region. One of the most gifted and knowledgeable construction professionals in the country, Mr Kularatne’s swift, hands-on management style imparted speed, proficiency and utmost care which eventually became synonyms with ‘Maga’ and enabled the organization to stand out in the industry.

Today, Maga Engineering has grown to become an organization serving over 10,000 professionals and their families. It has continuously contributed to the national growth of Sri Lanka and has spearheaded the revival of infrastructure development across the country after the end of the decades-long war. The company has completed over 400 multidisciplinary projects in the fields of buildings, highways, bridges, water supply and marine work. It has constructed landmark buildings in healthcare, education, hospitality, real estate and public sectors and built and rehabilitated over 2000km of Sri Lanka’s road network. Maga is also the pioneer in the construction of sustainable buildings in Sri Lanka, projects such as Clearpoint Residencies and MAS Thurulie setting not only regional, but global benchmarks in green buildings. Under his inspiring leadership, the company also received the Platinum rating in the country’s Corporate Accountability Index, a sign of the trust and reputation the company has garnered over the years.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kularatne remarked, “I consider this national recognition a great honour, which is a result of the constant focus to achieve our goals, and our steadfast commitment to deliver high quality, lasting social infrastructure and satisfy the needs of our clients and stakeholders. I dedicate this award to our remarkable team and their families”.

A Fellow of the Institute of Certified Professional Managers and the Institute of Chartered Business Administrators, Mr Kularatne is the first Chairman of the Major Constructors of Sri Lanka, the apex body of Sri Lanka’s leading construction companies.