Clearpoint the world’s tallest residential vertical gardenKegalle Bypass Completed in Record Time by Maga EngineeringInterview with Chairman & Managing Director of Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, M. G. KularatneMaga Engineering celebrates three decades of construction excellence

Clearpoint the world’s tallest residential vertical garden

(Daily FT : 12 November 2013)

Clear Point Residences has embarked on the unique and impressive project of building a sustainable high-rise apartment complex in Kotte. The Rs. 6 billion development project is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka and will involve an innovative design that is eco-friendly, to give the residents a sensation of ground-level living, which includes self-sustaining gardens and energy-saving systems. Clear Point Residences, addresses the usual cons of apartment living by providing privacy in an open terrace and a tranquil environment in a bustling city.

Designed by Milroy Perera and his team of environmentally conscious architects of Milroy Perera Associates Ltd., together with Maga Engineering Ltd., will construct the 46-storey structure which will consist of 164 three bedroom apartments, four 2300 square feet apartments per level, with all internal spaces opening into planted terraces.

The apartments are designed in a sleek and sophisticated manner and highlighted by the cool and shady planted terraces overlooking the marshes around Kolonnawa ela and Diyawanna Oya in Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte.

The project was initiated in January 2013, and construction, which commenced in June of this year, will be completed by early 2016, at which point it will be the world’s tallest vertical garden.

Energy and eco efficiency

The gardens will not require maintenance due to the automated drip irrigation installed in the building. Additionally, energy costs will be drastically reduced due to the use of solar energy for lighting in communal areas and recycling systems. These recycling systems include the recycling of water for sanitation purposes and drip irrigation, which will decrease water usage of the residence intake from the national grid by 45%.

Moreover, steps have been taken to allow the building to evolve in time with necessary additions as a result of advancements in technology.

As designer Milroy Perera stated: “Ultimately, the aim is to create a living space where you can not only feel at one with the environment, but actively contribute towards safeguarding and sustainable use of its resources.

“We are working very closely with our contractors Maga Engineering to enable the first self-sustaining building in Sri Lanka. The main focus of the apartment will be to provide an atmosphere and sentiment of ground level living.”

The design firm have previously been involved in the construction of The Fairway and Fairmount Residencies in Kotte, as well as the conceptual design of Sky Gardens. In all these residences, emphasis has been placed on spacious living spaces and breath-taking views and Clear Point will be no exception to this design philosophy.

However, with Clear Point, in addition to having a beautiful home in a serene environment, you will also be playing a part in the trend towards environmental conservation and sustainable living

http://www.ft.lk/article/213488/Clear-Point-the-world%E2%80%99s-tallest-residential-vertical-garden

 

 

Kegalle Bypass Completed in Record Time by Maga Engineering

Sri Lanka’s leading construction firm, Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd., has completed the Kegalle Bypass road within 06 months and ahead of schedule.

Kegalla bypass

The 2 lane 2.34 kilometers road way project was commissioned by the Road Development Authority project and is valued at Rs. 1.98 billion. Construction was completed in 170 days and handed over to the client Road Development Authority.

The Road Development Authority had awarded the project to design, rehabilitate and upgrade the new by-pass road, along with widening of the existing road which connects the new road to Vidyalaya Junction, Kegalle. The scope of work included site cleaning, earth-removing work, surface regulation, asphalt-laying and surfacing, drainage and shoulder, culvert bridge construction and other structures.

“As the leader in the construction sector, we considered it essential to complete this project as early as possible, to hand it over to the public at earliest and to reduce the heavy traffic congestion around Kegalle town. In addition to delivering improved efficiency to the public, the speedy and effective implementation also delivered significant savings to Maga. This is a key focus area of the Company; to reduce wastage and deliver improved efficiency at the same great quality and the Kegalle by-pass project serves as another example of Maga’s commitment,” said Chairman & Managing Director M. G. Kularatne. He further thanked all personnel involved in delivering the project.

The project was implemented amidst great challenges such as daily traffic movement and unpredictable weather. Despite the challenging schedule and aggressive work done, Maga’s quality, safety and environment management won numerous commendations from the Road Development Authority. The company holds ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001, making Maga the first ever Sri Lankan construction company to receive both certificates. Also Maga holds the distinction of being the only construction firm to receive Platinum rating for Corporate Accountability, including many awards and accolades for industry excellence.

Interview with Chairman & Managing Director of Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, M. G. Kularatne

(Sunday Times : 16 June 2013)

By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera

MAGA Engineering, establishing its position as Sri Lanka’s market leader in construction, has from infrastructure development projects to metropolitan high-rises made an indelible imprint as a model construction company in the country. Capt. M.G. Kularatne, Chairman and Managing Director, in this interview with the Business Times at his simple-down-to-earth office at Nawala explains how the company’s construction business has set standards for the construction industry.

Unlike other successful businessmen, the veteran builder and contractor does not use a mobile phone.
Excerpts of the interview:

On the company beginnings:

I worked as an administrator for a few Japanese companies in the mid ’70. At these companies I learnt about construction management, the related issues and procedures in this business. I decided to set up a construction company which resembled (in terms of work ethics) a Japanese company in 1983, starting with a small capital and invited my brother and then a friend to join in. At the time I was still attached to the Japanese company and my brother helped me set it up.

Was 1983 (ethnic riots in July which shattered the economy) a good time to start?

It was not a good time to start. The open economic policies had been in force for six years by then and by 1984 there was a lot of competition.

What projects did you start initially?

In the beginning we did sub-contracting for international contractors. We did the first contract which was a 3-storey building for National Building Research Organization. We completed it four months ahead of schedule and this was our success story, as the word went around about us completing this project before time. Also it was said that this is a systematic company with good housekeeping. This opened the doors for us to do other projects with main contractors.

What are the other projects you set out to do after this initial success?

In 1993 we started constructing the 155 room, 5-star Eden Hotel and completed it in 1994. This was followed by four more hotels – Taj Exotica, Lighthouse, Sinbad Garden and two high-end hotels in the Maldives. This is left our indelible imprint in the industry.

What advice have you got for present day contractors?

There are some contractors who can do a decent job within the given timeframe. But a great majority has still to learn planning, organizing and managing the projects. They should resort to build stable and reliable organizations. The foremost thing is the discipline. Discipline is important for a person to succeed.

How has MAGA’s growth trajectory been?

Throughout our career, we have had growth except for one year – 1997/98. This was because during that time the industry was stagnant.

How has the industry performed post – war?

It has accelerated more than 20 per cent in growth after the war.

What has your strategy been?

Our core business strategy has always been to provide quality construction products and services within the shortest possible time – and at the most competitive prices. These facets are underscored by exceptional quality and remarkable after-sales services. The organization has earned itself an enviable reputation in the industry for speedy construction of buildings, roads, bridges, water-supply and drainage facilities, and marine structures. It also possesses the largest capacity in terms of volume – providing total construction solutions from concept to conclusion.

Why are you low key/low profile?

It’s better to be that way; there’s less disturbance and distractions. We don’t utilize traditional mass media to advertise our products and services. New construction contracts are secured through our competitiveness and oral and written recommendation from former clients who have been the company’s most vocal promoters providing valuable word – of – mouth publicity. This is a result of having satisfied their requirements beyond expectations with timely delivery, exceptional quality and impeccable after-sales service.

Why aren’t you getting into other sectors?

We want to specialize in what we do best. We plough 90 per cent of the profits back to the business.

This has helped us acquire the plant and machinery required for large construction projects from reputable international suppliers and it successfully built up a dynamic and dedicated team armed with the necessary knowledge and experience to offer world-class standards. It is the company’s dedication to high quality and its depth of experience that has enabled MAGA to secure some of the most prestigious construction projects in Sri Lanka.

What are your staff numbers?

MAGA has a dedicated workforce of over 6000, led by a team of professionals, and over 150 graduate engineers and other technical staff. They are an incredible team

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130616/business-times/contractors-should-be-more-disciplined-magas-kularatne-48236.html

Maga Engineering celebrates three decades of construction excellence

(Daily FT : 04 November 2014)

30 years ago, Maga Engineering was founded by M.G. Kularatne, with a primary vision to become a model construction company in the region. Driven by a vibrant team which was the nucleus behind its success, Maga seized the opportunities created by the open economy of the 1980s.

This team had the opportunity to work alongside some of the world’s leading construction companies, giving it the trademark quality-centred focus that became the trademark of a unique construction company, for years to come.

Today, Maga is home to a workforce of 14,000, their families and dependants. This community comprises project managers, engineers, designers, administrators, technicians and craftspeople hailing from all parts of Sri Lanka, forming the heartbeat of a constantly growing, learning and caring orgnisation.

The engineering and technological expertise of the company is strong, with over 350 engineers and 60 construction project managers.

The company has made its presence felt across all major sectors of the country. The Lighthouse, Taj Exotica, Eden Resort & Spa and the Blue Water are some of the landmark hotels they have helped bring to life.

In the healthcare sector, Maga has been the main contractor of several key hospitals, including Colombo’s Apollo Hospital, the Neurotrauma unit of the National Hospital, the Ninewells Care Mother & Baby Hospital, Radiation Treatment Centre, Colombo South Teaching Hospital and the rehabilitation of the General Hospital.

Their most recent work in the public sector includes the Customs headquarters building, Sethsiripaya stage II, the Hambantota Port administrative complex and the 97km Anuradhapura-Trincomalee road.

In the education sector, the company has carried out the construction of the Ratnapura and Bingiriya Colleges of Education, the Millennium IT Complex at Malabe, the Singapore-Sri Lanka Friendship College at Weeraketiya and the Vocational Training Center in Colombo, amongst others.

They have been recognised as the best constructor in the water supply and drainage sector in 2013, in recognition of their work in the Greater Kandy Water Supply Project. The company has also been avid proponents of the commercial and real estate segments of the country, being the main constructor of four residential high-rises for Fairway Holdings, as well as the Kandy City Center and the 47-storey Clearpoint Residencies, billed to be Sri Lanka’s first sustainable high-rise.

Maga Engineering continues to play a lead role in the development of the North and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. The company’s pioneering efforts in these provinces include key segments of the A-9, A-32 and A-35 roads, the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, the Point Pedro Water Supply Project, the Kalladi Bridge and the Siyamabalanduwa-Pottuvil-Akkaraipattu road, where the company has invested extensively in the regional communities.

Maga is the first Sri Lankan construction company to possess an integrated quality, health, safety and environmental system certified to international standards, and the first privately-owned company in the country to publish under the Global Reporting Initiative G4 guidelines, the world’s leading standards for sustainability reporting.

The trust placed on the company by its stakeholders has manifested itself through Maga securing the Platinum rating in Sri Lanka’s Corporate Accountability Index and the first Green Award in the public and private sector.

During November Maga will reach the structural completion of the tallest building in Sri Lanka, the Grand Hyatt Hotel, standing at a height of 205m in Colombo, and will also celebrate its 30th anniversary in the process

http://www.ft.lk/article/365906/Maga-Engineering--celebrates-three-decades-of-construction-excellence