Lanka Infrastructure 2016 Expo makes its debut

 By Shannine Daniel 

The Lanka Infrastructure ’16 opened for the first time in Colombo yesterday (12) at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC) showcasing the latest technological innovations and research in building, construction, water treatment, HVAC and electrical engineering as well as products by 150 companies from 15 countries. 

Organised by the AMB Tarsus Events Group of Malaysia, a leading trade show organiser in South East Asia, the exhibition is to continue over three days until 14 August. China, Malaysia, Taiwan, India and Singapore are among the countries taking part in the expo and many of them are showcasing their products and research for the first time in Sri Lanka. 

The Lanka Infrastructure ’16 Expo is the umbrella event incorporating four specialised exhibitions namely Lanka Build ’16, the International Building and Construction Show, Lanka Water ’16, the International Water Supply and Treatment Show, Lanka Energy ’16, the International Electric and Power Show and SIVAR ’16, The International HVAC Show. 

The exhibition aims to be a complete one-stop-shop event for the building, construction, water works and M and E industries, focused on improving efficiency, productivity and quality and supplying relevant products directly from the manufacturers. 

AMB Tarsus Events Group Project Director Darren Siow stated that the Expo is a good opportunity for companies involved in building, construction, water treatment, HVAC and electrical engineering to display their new products and research and expand their markets. 

“Sri Lanka’s market is more open now when compared to what it was a seven or eight years ago; this is why we decided to organise this expo here. We have organised similar trade expos in Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Laos,” stated Siow. 

Lanka Infrastructure ’16 is hosted by the Major Constructors of Sri Lanka (MCSL) along with the support of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Water Resources Board, Ceylon Electricity Board and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau with the aim of innovating the Sri Lankan construction, engineering, water works and other related sectors. 

MCSL CEO Madura Wijeyewickrema stated that those involved in these sectors could be motivated to improve their relevant industry by first hand exposing them to new technology and research that could develop these industries.

He went on to say that the unemployed youth of the country needed to be encouraged to join sectors such as construction and engineering as the workforce for the industry has reduced drastically over the years and it is becoming a serious issue.  

“Most youngsters these days are more interested in acquiring simple jobs such security guards and they do not unleash their full potential. Therefore we hope the technical seminars that are a part of this exhibition will encourage the youth participating to find jobs in these industries” said Wijeyewickrema. 

The topics of these seminars include Water Management, HVAc systems and Building and Construction Supplies. The Speakers include MCSL CEO Madura Wijeyewickrema, National Water Supply and Drainage Board Chairman K. Alahudeen Ansar, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman Anura Wijayapala and Water Resources Board Chairman M. Zulfikar Cader. - see also page 5

-Pix by Kithsiri De Mel