United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has recently entrusted Lanka Hydraulic Institute (LHI) to conduct a  hydro-engineering study and prepare a detailed design for a coastal protection structure in West Point, Monrovia  Liberia. Threatened by global climatic change, West Point, Monrovia experiences coastal erosion and shoreline retreat which affects Monrovians' fishery-based livelihoods of approximately 55,000.  Lanka Hydraulic Institute (LHI) being a forerunner in the coastal engineering consultancy worldwide, determined to roll out a customized, efficient and sustainable engineering solution inline with the expectations of all stakeholders.

Commenting on the project, Eng. Janaka Kurukulasuriya, Chief Executive Officer, LHI and Principal Specialist Dr. Raveenthiran said “We are proud to win this project in Liberia as it clearly shows our work is increasingly entrusted by those who seek quality, economy and timely delivery”. The company maintains a state-of-the-art hydraulics laboratory with capabilities in engineering design, field measurements, physical/ mathematical modeling, and construction supervision.

Elaborating its proud journey, Dr. Sanjeewa Wickramaratne, a senior specialist of Lanka Hydraulic Institute (LHI) said “this in fact will be our 17^th project in Africa. Prior to this, LHI were successful in winning two projects in Eretria, six in Algeria, five in Mauritius, and one each in Rwanda, Re-Union Island and Senegal. In addition, our global footprint is further enhanced with successful contracts with France, Belize, Oman, Iran, UAE, South Korea, and Brunei, not forgetting 35 projects completed for our South Asian neighbours: India, Maldives, and Bhutan”, added Dr. Wickramaratne.

Founded in 1984 under the leadership of late Mr. S.R. Amarasinghe, Lanka Hydraulic Institute (LHI) has achieved many milestones to become one of the leading coastal and inland water engineering companies in the world today. With a track record of over 450 consultancy projects completed, the company has catapulted to the forefront of professional services trade, earning a reputation for excellent professionalism and unique services. A significant feature of LHI is that all projects are handled in-house using Sri Lankan expertise. Key project staff consists of four PhD and six MSc qualified senior engineers having ample international and local experience, backed with a technically proficient supportive staff.

“Despite tumultuous times that prevailed in global markets, LHI’s financial performance last year is outstanding as its turnover shot up to Rs. 300 million with almost 62% of which is coming from exports. The penultimate year too created headlines with export revenue surpassing Rs. 278 million”, says its Chief Executive Mr. Kurukulasuriya. National Chamber of Exports (NCE) has been hounouring LHI’s outstanding export performance since 2007 including three Gold awards for professional services export. “Now that the trend is set, we are hopeful for a consistent positive outlook in the years to come” concluded Mr. Kurukulasuriya.

Photo caption : Eng. Janaka Kurukulasuriya, CEO, LHI