UltraTech Cement Lanka and the Institution of Engineers of Sri Lanka (IESL) signed an MoU, pledging to continue their partnership to offer free expert engineering advice through Building Clinics to home-builders island wide. The MoU, effective from 1 June, pledges to conduct Building Clinics in various parts of the country for the next two years.

The “Building Clinic” is a concept initiated and developed by the Civil Engineering Sectional Committee of IESL to offer professional advice free of charge to the needy people having no access to proper technical advice, information or knowledge for building their homes.

Speaking at the event Eng. Jayavilal Meegoda, President of IESL, while thanking UltraTech Cement for their sponsorship during the previous two years as well, invited the latter’s assistance to conduct much vigorous programs in view of its heightened relevance due to impacts of recent floods and landslides experienced in the country.

“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 home-builders, 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 home-builders,” commented UltraTech Cement Lanka (Pvt) Ltd Chief Executive Kiran Redkar.

“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 UltraTech Cement Lanka Marketing and Technical Senior General Manager Sandeep Holey. “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 home-building from a panel of construction experts and we are delighted to see this much-needed public initiative continue,” said UltraTech Cement Lanka Engineer Ananda Silva.

IESL President Elect Engineer (Prof.) Niranjanie Ratnayake; IESL Civil Engineering Sectional Committee Chairman Niyas Samad; IESL Civil Engineering Sectional Committee Team Leader Engineer Champika Nawagamuwa; and Engineer Probodha Jinasena championed the concept of the Building Clinic, Engineer Ananda Silva, who actively coordinates the programmes, and Ultratech Cement Lanka Marketing and Technical Senior General Manager Sandeep Holey, were among the attendees at the MoU signing ceremony.