Lanka Hydraulic reaches new heights under the present guard
Lanka Hydraulic Institute Ltd (LHI), a leading Sri Lankan engineering consultancy firm, has reached new heights by completing 22 local and international projects out of 33 this year with current expertise in ocean/coastal engineering and inland water hydraulics.
The man behind the new ‘advancement’ of LHI by securing 33 new projects both locally and internationally, Nissanka Perera, CEO of LHI spoke to the Business Times, briefing on the recent performance of the institute in catering to local and international needs for specialised physical and numerical modeling and field investigations in coastal hydraulics.
He spoke slowly choosing his words with care to explain the complex scientific methods being used in the operation of a modern, state-of- the-art laboratory with reliable technical and IT support.
One of the largest test basins in South Asia, it is equipped with computer controlled wave makers to replicate in-situ ocean waves and tides or recreate river currents of standard and extreme flood events.
This enables the design of structures such as breakwaters, jetties, coast protection structures, weirs and dams to be accurately and practically checked.
These studies were conducted at its state of the art laboratory located in Katubedda, he said adding that high-end studies and collection of field data in the water sector were carried out on the design of hydraulic structures.
The designs were carried out using sophisticated globally accepted mathematical models, and stand-alone or supportive scaled physical model studies conducted in the basin. The basin utilises computer controlled waves, he explained.
The basin too was utilised to capacity with the Oman and Algerian projects. Another outdoor physical model-salt water exclusion barrage for the Kalu Ganga was also tested, he revealed.
LHI also provides its services on field and modelling investigations for the much in-focus Colombo Port City Development Project.
Mr. Perera who is also the Secretary of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA), also spoke on current progress and setbacks of the institute.
He said that LHI has succeeded in achieving the highest revenue of Rs.182 million and pre- tax profit of Rs.42 million for the financial year ended March 31, 2017. This was the highest ever pre-tax profit and revenue in any financial year since the inception of the institute, he added.
Despite its positive performance, the LHI faces several challenges to its future prospects due to the loss of younger staff owing to low salary scales and an accumulated backlog of investment necessary for keeping up with recent progress in instrumentation and modelling software required in internationally competitive hydraulics laboratory, he pointed out.
The external challenges are connected with the reduction in hydraulic studies received by the institute from lucrative Middle Eastern and North African markets due to low oil prices, he said adding that action has been taken to increase investment modern technology and seek new projects in the region and Far East.
The LHI had a total of 16 projects in hand during the period of April to July 2017 and the project work done is worth Rs.40 million for the last four months, he disclosed adding that work in hand was Rs. 33 million including Rs. 16 million for construction supervision of the Wennappuwa Fishery Harbour.
All its processes are streamlined, quality assured, and in accordance with ISO 9001:2008. LHI’s services are relied upon by a number of international clients in Algeria, Bangladesh, Belize, Bhutan, Brunei, Eritrea, France, India, Iran, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Senegal, South Korea, and UAE, he said.
The 2D and 3D testing have been carried out for all harbours in Sri Lanka where artificial armour (concrete blocks in place of rock) has been used. In addition, LHI has undertaken detailed field investigations and measurements in coastal and riverine systems, he disclosed.
Enhancing its footprint in the African continent, LHI is actively involved in a major collaboration on field investigations and mathematical model studies in Rwanda – Africa, he said.
LHI’s long standing partner, Hydro Marine Ingénierie (HMI) of Algeria had entrusted the firm for a comprehensive numerical and physical modelling campaign for a fishery harbour project in Sidi Ladjel (Algeria), he added.
“All our services are in compliance with ISO 9001:2008 quality standard with an assurance of stringent quality management,” he pointed out adding that it has the unique advantage of being both an idyllic place to work in and venue with physical model laboratory opened in all 365 days for testing.