CHAPTER 01

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE TRAINING ORGANIZATION

1.1.1 About Link Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd

Link Engineering is one of the few first construction companies in Sri Lanka with experience
spanning over four decades. They have been recognized with many awards for their
construction excellence over the years. They continue to hold their unbeaten records and
determine to achieve more for the future.

The company updates itself with modern technologies, expertise, concepts and vision. This
innovative drive ensures that the company is in the forefront of the field by providing the most
affordable and the highest quality products for its clients.

Link Engineering has become a sole subsidiary of the reputable Blue Ocean Group of
Companies which owns a range of well-recognized companies. They provide most of the
essential services for the construction field such as engineering, quality controlling, and
managerial solutions, to mention a few from a long list.

The Group’s Chairman Mr.S. Thumilan, with his own illustrious portfolio is instrumental in the
Group’s extensive diversification into spheres that include Education, Engineering,
Construction, Real Estate, Corporate Consultancy, Trading, Electrical, Construction of Private
Houses and Engineering Consultancy. However, “To be the most respected, ethically sound and
socially responsible company,” has been the base of the entire conglomerate’s many endeavors,
explains Mr. S. Thumilan. Embracing the “Blue Ocean Strategy” that describes the generation
of growth and profit through innovation in a created and uncontested environment; the Group
engages in its key markets in Asia Pacific, European, Middle East and East Asia regions.

One of the Company’s indispensable assets is its highly qualified and experienced human
resources including Chartered Architects, Chartered Engineers, Chartered Accountants and
other professionals in related fields who have garnered extensive exposure and industry
experience locally and abroad. The customers can be rest assured with high-profile skilled
personnel that form the team. “In comparison with market standards; our professionals are
highly capable of contributing to real value, through their competency and experience.”
acknowledges Mr. Thumilan, while much emphasis is laid on the quality of work; clients are

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 Further attracted by the sheer volume of work undertaken and delivered within a scheduled
time-frame.

Apart from residential apartment projects, Link Engineering has now engaged in condominium
market. Under the able guidance of its parent company Blue Ocean Group of Companies, Link
Engineering has embarked on a major condo construction project in Mount Lavinia. It is going
to be the tallest tower in the Mount Lavinia area once it was completed. The Link Engineering
is very much certain that it would be able to leverage on our Group synergies and expand its
services to other regional market. The company has already expanded to Maldives, London and
Toronto as per its plan for the coming financial year

1.1.2 Company Log

Figure 1.1: Company logo

1.1.3 Contact Details

Head Office (Sri Lanka)

No.32, 2nd Floor, Galle Road,
Dehiwala, Sri Lanka (Next to Amana Bank, Dehiwala)
Tel: +94 112 722 217
Fax: +94 112 722 204
Email: info@blueocean.lk

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1.1.4 Vision

To constantly realign, reputation and reinvent ourselves embracing highest levels of professional
expertise, new technology and change thereby consistently striving to exceed the returns of comparable
organizations and be the forefront of the industry.

1.1.5 Mission

To work cohesively to achieve exceptional standards of quality in all our undertakings to the
satisfaction of all stakeholders through the participation of highly qualified professional staff assisted by
an experienced, competent and dedicated work force.

1.1.6 Achievements and Awards

YEAR AWARD PROJECT

ICIAO NATIONAL AWARD FOR HEAD OFFICE COMPLEX FOR
1990
CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE PETROLEUM
ICTAD NATIONAL AWARD FOR
1993 HOTEL KANDALAMA
CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE
ICTAD NATIONAL AWARD OF MERIT FOR NATIONAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION,
2000
CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE POLLONNARUWA
SLS ISO 9002 CERTIFICATION FROM SRI
2001
LANKA STANDARDS INSTITUTE
IFAWPCA (INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF
ASIAN & WESTERN CONTRACTORS'
2002 PACIFIC HOTEL KANDALAMA
ASSOCIATION) SILVER AWARD FOR
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
ICTAD NATIONAL AWARD FOR
2002 SPEAKERS RESIDENCE
CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE
SLSI ISO 9001-2000 CERTIFICATION FROM
2009
SRI LANKA STANDARDS INSTITUTE
SLSI ISO 9001-2008 CERTIFICATION FRONT
2010
SRI LANKA STANDARDS INSTITUTE
OFFICE BUILDING FOR GREATER
ICTAD NATIONAL AWARD FOR COLOMBO REGIONAL SUPPORT
2011
CONSTRUCTION MERIT CENTRE (GCRSC) FOR NWS& DB -
PELAWATTA

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1.1.7 EPF & ETF

The EPF & ETF payments contributions as follows:

EPF – Employees Provident Fund

8% contribution from the basic salary of employee per month, 12% contribution of employer
considering the salary of employee, per month. This will be remitted to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Employee’s Provident Fund. EPF benefits could be withdrawn on resignation/retirement or after
completion of 55 years for male employees and after completion of 50 years for female employees.

ETF – Employees Trust Fund

Company will contribute an amount of 3% of the employee’s salary to Employees Trust Fund. This
ETF money can be withdrawn after completing five years of working time period.

1.1.8 ICTAD grading of the company

C1 - Building construction

C3 - Highway construction

C3 – Water supply & drainage

C3 - Bridge construction

C3 – Storm water drainage

C4 – Irrigation & land drainage

C7– Dredging & reclamation

EM1 - Electrical and mechanical works Engineering

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1.1.9 Leaves for Employees

There are 28 leaves can be taken for the workers according to well procedure. This leaves consist of 14
annual leaves, 7 sickness leaves and 7 casual leaves. But when the probation period worker can be get
only 0.5 leave per month.

1.1.10 Organizational Structure and Hierarchical Levels

A group of highly experienced professionals in link engineering hold the director positions of the
company. Management was headed by the Managing Director. A team of Directors leading the
divisions of Construction Operations, Engineering Services, Procurement & Supplies, Finance,
Personnel & Administration and Information Technology plays a major role within the company

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1.1.11 Organizational Chart

Chairman/
Director Boards

General Manager

Senior Manager Senior Manager

Technical Building
Services

Consultant Q.S Design Construction Structural

Architect Manager Engineer

Project Project
Architect Manager

Site Manager
Admin officer Supervisor

Engineering QC Engineer
Safety Officer
Assistant

Technical Senior Senior Senior Store Project Q.S

officer Draughts Surveyor Keeper
person
Site Q.S
Assistant
Surveyor
Asst. Site Q.S

Figure 1.2: Organizational Chart

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1.2 INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT
1.2 Introduction of the Project

Project : Blue Ocean 19th Lane Residence

Client : Link Engineering

Design Review and Progress : Link Engineering Consultant

Structural Design : NCD Consultants

Location : No 06,19th Lane Colombo-03

Contract Sum : Rs. 694 320 000.00

Project Commencement : 04/09/2016

Scheduled Date for Completion : 18/12/2021

1.2.1 Site Location

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1.3 SITE MANAGEMENT

Site management is a very important task in a construction site. There is a huge work load to be done by
affording a large cost and different materials in large quantities. The work was done by different sub-
contractors. Sometimes construction difficulties result the delays of the project. To overcome from the
arising problems and to complete the project within the schedule following the proper quality standards,
there should be a proper management in the site. Planning, organizing and leading are main steps to be
taken for a proper management.

At the beginning of any project all the tasks and the probable affording time was estimated.
Accordingly, a work program and schedule was prepared. While continuing the project, the progress of
work was recorded and studied. Due to arising difficulties the above estimations may not work exactly.
But the management should be aware to overcome from such problems and finish the project within the
time frame in a cost effective way.

1.3.1 Site Meetings

The staff of officers in the site held a meeting with PM and SM per week. The ongoing works, problems
related to work and possible solution were discussed there. The meetings of sub-contractors with the
PM and SM were held from time to time. The objective of these meetings was to know the available
problems among the labors & their difficulties, possible solutions and to enhance the connection with
the labors to obtain their maximum support in site work. Meetings of head office officers were held
once every two weeks. They evaluate the ongoing work, problems causing delay to the project and
possible solutions. Once a week site safety meeting was carried with the site officers & labors. Here the
safety officer discusses the safety & health issues and the labors present if they have any problems.

All these meetings were very important for leading the project with further planning by studying the
current progress of work.

1.3.2 Document management

Weather records, progress records, labor attendance and distribution, material issues, tool records, store
inventory, vehicle movements & gate passes etc. are some of the records that are maintained daily. Test
result documents, log notes, method statements, Drawings, approved changes of drawings are some
other documents maintained in the site.

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 Figure 1.4: Daily Labor Distribution Record

1.3.3 Store Management

Store management is a very important function in a site. It helps to carry out the construction effectively
by providing the materials and equipment’s as needed without any lacking. Store keepers were fully
responsible for every materials and equipment’s hence they have to maintain records about every
material & tool taken & return back. Following are some of the documents maintained in our site store.

Figure 1.5: Site Stores

 MR (Material Requisition) – Materials taken from the store which can be used once and not
returning back.
 GTN (Goods Transfer Note) – Materials and tools which are not needed for the site anymore are
transferred to another site and recorded here.
 GRN (Goods Return Note) – Materials and tools sending to the main stores of the company are
recorded here

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Our company doesn’t have regional stores but only a one main store maintained for every site. The
main store of Link Engineering (Pvt) Ltd is located in dehiwale

1.3.4 Site security

Site is well covered from the external environment by a strong high fence. Two security officers employ
24 hours in the site. Only authorized visitors are allowed to the site. Security officers should ensure the
security of materials and tools within the site. They maintain records of every person & vehicle entering
and leaving the site with the time.

1.4 Administrative Practices Maintained in the Site

1.4.1 Project Manager

Project manager is the main responsible person in the site. He inspected on ongoing working program,
the quality of the work proceeds, steps to be taken to improve the project speed, arranging the upcoming
processes in a proper way and the financial state of the project etc. Also he should be responsible for
every task of the project to the head office and he should be the co-coordinator in between the head
office and the site.

1.4.2 Site Manager

In our site, SM played a very important role. He is the next responsible person of the site. He inspected
every day today work carried in the site, shortcomings of the works, arranging the upcoming works in a
proper order to recover the delay of the project, supervising officers and trainees in the site, maintaining
the connection with sub-contractors and encouraging their work and etc. with the years of experience he
was the best in providing most practical and workable solutions. He was very considerate about the
trainees and he provided us a very good guidance during our training period.

1.4.3 Site Engineer

Site engineer inspected daily construction works in the site and he was more interacted with the labours
other than PM and SM. If any faults or improper procedures were observed he gave solutions & ideas
for the work. Also he provided guidance for EAs & trainees.

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1.4.4 Engineer Assistants, Technical Officers and Trainees

In our site each officer was assigned to each work section. Therefore they supervised their assigned
section of work. In the absence of any officer, another officer is temporary assigned to that section.
Trainees are worked under the supervision of EAs & TOs in their relevant sections.

1.4.5 Administrative Officer

He checked on the site security, maintenance of machinery & vehicles, attendance of officers & labors,
requirements of the site store on a daily basis. He should be responsible in providing necessary.

1.4.6 QA & QC Officer

Quality assurance & quality control of our site was carried by an EA. He should inspect every
construction work in the site and check whether the work carried is following proper quality standards.
If not he should take actions for it.

1.4.7 Safety Officer

He is responsible for maintaining the safety of every person in the site.

1.4.8 Surveyor

He should carry out every surveying and setting out tasks of the construction.

1.4.9 Quantity Surveyor

Maintain the financial procedures in the site.

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1.5 FINANCIAL PROCEDURES MAINTAINED IN THE SITE

All the commercial & financial procedures were done by the QS unit of the site. PM& SM paid their
attention too. There were a project QS, two assistant QS in our site. Cost of the project, differences and
reasons for the changes between the actual cost & estimated cost were calculated by QS unit. The initial
costs, all the payments for sub-contractors, current progress of the site were calculated by QS unit.

Initial cost of the project was calculated as cost per housing unit. Staircase, ramp, lift etc. were included
as a percentage within the housing unit cost. Client pays the contractor as an advance in the beginning
and time to time by analyzing the percentage of work completed (according to retention percentages).
Contractor or the company pays the sub-contractors in a lump sum method. The work done by each sub-
contractor was measured and payment was calculated according to the agreed rate.

As an example, masonry work rate was Rs.17500 per unit. By analyzing the completed percentage of
walls in the housing unit monthly payment was calculated. Sub-contractor was responsible for paying
the labors. Sometime some works were paid in the labor hours. Site QS analyze the work, time taken for
it, does the labors has done a fair task within the time and payments were done.

1.6 SAFETY PRACTICES

On my first day in the site, before introducing I to the site there was a site safety induction for all the
new comer trainees held by the site safety officer. He instructed us on all possible ways of site
accidents, measures that could be taken for prevention, available safety measures in the site and so on.
Furthermore he told us that the objective of the safety induction is not just for us for being careful about
our safety, but to be considerate on the safety of every labor working in the site.

Some possible ways of causing accidents and prevention methods taken in our site are,

 Falling from heights and scaffoldings

- Ensure the stability of scaffolding systems.
- Providing double railed safety gates.
 Falling into the excavations
- Placing barriers around excavations.
- Covering holes to prevent falling.
- Maintain proper lighting within the site. Figure 1.6: Safety board 1

 Accidents cause by cranes

- Check the rigidity of cables.
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 - Avoid walking under lifting weights.
- Having an alarm system in the tower crane and proper communication system with tower
crane operators.
- Checking the stability of the tower crane and repair & maintenance at time to time.
 Electric shock
- Earthen electric circuit properly.
- Repair the electric system & remove damaged or short circuit wires.
 Accidents cause by using machinery
- Giving proper instructions to the working people.
- Ensure the safety of the machinery by checking their function and repairing if needed.

Common actions taken in the site for safety are,

 Instructing labors in weekly safety meetings.

 Placing awareness boards at dangerous places.
 Fire extinguishing procedures.

Figure 1.7: Fire extinguishers

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Helmets for head & face protection
- Safety spectacles & goggles for eye protection
- Nasal coverings for respiratory protection from dust & other harmful chemical particles
- Ear plugs for hearing protection
- Safety gloves for hand protection
- Safety shoes, safety boots for foot protection

Figure 1.9: Site Safety Precautions

Figure 1.8: Safety board 2

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