Sethsiripaya Stage III, the third phase of the Government’s administration hub in Battaramulla, is a 25-storeyed modern office building with floor area of over 1.3 million square feet—making it the largest public sector building and the largest office complex in the country. The new complex will bring ministries, public corporations, departments, and government offices that were scattered around the city to a centralised location; a move that will reduce traffic congestion in the city, streamline access to services for the public, and provide much-needed office space for government and semi-government institutions.

The proposed complex occupies a site area of 4.3 acres adjacent to the Sethsiripaya Stage I and II buildings and will comprise modern office space, multifunction halls, meeting and conference facilities, commercial areas, restaurants, and parking for 700 vehicles. Once completed, Sethsiripaya Stage III is expected to cater to over 7500 occupants and 1000 visitors per day.

Valued at LKR 16.7 billion, the project is fully owned and funded by the Urban Development Authority (UDA), as part of the Sri Lanka Government’s vision for people-centric development and an accessible and effective public service. Role of the architectural consultant is carried out by the Design, Project Management & Consultancy Division of the UDA, while Maga Engineering is the engineering design-and-build contractor. At the commencement of the project, the Chairman & Managing Director of MAGA Mr M.G. Kularatne stated, “We are proud to become the construction partner of the largest government complex in Sri Lanka, which once completed will be a milestone in the masterplan of the UDA. It is a worthy addition to our track record of delivering landmark public sector buildings, such as the Customs Headquarters and Extension to the Treasury Building.”

Envisioned by the architectural team at the UDA lead by Archt. Ananda Samarasinghe, the building consists of a solid base that holds two main wings around a giant sky-lit central atrium that maximises ventilation and daylighting, while creating a large common area for both the occupants and the general public visiting the building. Following universal design principles, the complex will contain an array of energy efficient sustainability features including rooftop solar energy generation and rainwater harvesting, together with green-rated building materials. Once complete, Sethsiripaya Stage III is expected to achieve a Platinum green-building rating, setting a benchmark for public sector buildings and high-rise office space in Sri Lanka.

Maga Engineering has been at the forefront of delivering Sri Lanka’s most iconic commercial and office-spaces for government agencies and leading corporates, including Sri Lanka Customs, Ministry of Finance, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Hemas Holdings, People’s Leasing PLC, HSBC, DIMO, Jetwing Hotels, South Asia Gateway Terminals, and Millennium IT.