Bachelor of Science Construction Project Management (BCPM)

Spinoff company originating from my PhD research aimed at delivering solutions to enhance construction productivity in the industry. Our services encompass:- Construction productivity monitoring.- On-site and virtual activity monitoring.- Hardware and software solutions for improved on-site communication.- Information integration and field automation.- Assistance in technology selection and facilitation of adaptability and adoptability within operational levels.- Requirement gathering and business analysis.We extend our services to all sectors of the construction industry. For assistance with construction productivity issues or to enhance productivity, please contact me at lahiru.silva@me.com.

I worked at the North American Headquarters (NAHQ) of PCL Constructors Inc., where my responsibilities involved coordinating corporate and district-related technology initiatives for builders, with a specific focus on virtual design and construction (VDC) initiatives. In this role, I collaborated with district subject matter experts (SME) in construction technologies and worked closely with the Systems and Technology division to promote collaborative best practices across all districts for improved performance. Here are some of the key projects I was involved in:- Developed a knowledge management initiative called "Technology for Builders," aimed at creating a knowledge base and providing a collaborative space for PCL employees to discuss and evaluate technologies.- Designed and implemented a gated process to enhance technology evaluation within the organization.- Coordinated and facilitated collaboration among engineering and field construction teams to develop 'lessons learned' initiatives.- Conducted initial business analysis for a field mobility initiative, identifying operational-level requirements and evaluating Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions such as BUZZsaw, BIM 360 Field, LATISTA, and in-house solutions.- Led the initial business analysis to provide a solution for handling large Building Information Modeling (BIM) files effectively.These initiatives aimed to enhance technological capabilities, knowledge sharing, and operational efficiency within PCL Constructors Inc.

Professional Achievements:AUSIA Framework (2nd Generation i-Booth©): - Developed and implemented the innovative "AUSIA Framework" to enhance onsite communication for construction projects.- Introduced the concept of the second-generation i-Booth©, revolutionizing information kiosks for improved communication.Virtual Supervision:- Spearheaded the development and field testing of 'Virtual Supervision' to enhance construction site monitoring through virtual means.- Implemented real-time visualization and improved communication, leading to increased worker and supervisory staff satisfaction.Construction Visualization and Monitoring Centre (CVMC):- Designed the Construction Visualization and Monitoring Centre at the University of Calgary, contributing to cutting-edge visualization and monitoring capabilities.- The CVMC serves as a hub for advancing construction technologies and methodologies.Project Management Office Complex Project:- Managed the new Project Management Office Complex project at the University of Calgary.Oversaw the planning, execution, and successful completion of the complex, providing a centralized space for efficient project management activities.These achievements underscore my commitment to innovation, technology integration, and effective project management within the construction industry.

Project Proposal Management:NSERC Collaborative Research and Development Grants:- Successfully managed NSERC collaborative research and development grants in 2006 and 2009, with project costs totaling 1 million CAD each.- Oversaw the preparation of project proposals, budgets, schedules, and other essential documents for these substantial research initiatives.Canadian Foundation for Innovation Grant:- Managed a Canadian Foundation for Innovation grant in 2008, securing funding of 0.5 million CAD for the project.- Demonstrated proficiency in preparing comprehensive project proposals and associated documentation.Teaching Assistant Roles:ENCI 471: Project Management:- Served as a Teaching Assistant for ENCI 471, contributing to the instruction and guidance of students in project management.ENCI 465: Construction Management:- Assumed the role of Teaching Assistant for ENCI 465, providing support in the realm of construction management education.ENCI 461: Mechanics of Solids and Structures:- Offered assistance as a Teaching Assistant in ENCI 461, focusing on the Mechanics of Solids and Structures. ENCI 570: Group Design Project:- Facilitated learning as a Teaching Assistant for ENCI 570, overseeing students engaged in group design projects. ENCI 697: Project Planning and Control:- Provided instructional support as a Teaching Assistant for ENCI 697, focusing on project planning and control methodologies.These experiences highlight my multifaceted role in project management, research grant administration, and dedication to fostering learning through teaching assistance.

In my role, I provided a range of services encompassing project management, productivity improvement, and risk and uncertainty management across various construction sectors, including commercial construction, heavy industrial construction, petrochemical plants, and institutional building construction projects. Key responsibilities included:- On-site and virtual construction productivity monitoring and trend analysis to identify areas for improvement.- Analyzing project performance data and recommending actions to enhance overall productivity.- Compiling labor cost and schedule performance reports for comprehensive project assessments.- Leading technology selection processes for site monitoring, ensuring the adoption of effective tools.- Performing construction management activities to streamline project workflows.- Coordinating weekly meetings with project stakeholders and the consulting team to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.This multifaceted role allowed me to contribute significantly to the success and efficiency of construction projects across diverse sectors.

During my tenure at DCL, a leading consultancy providing services in Architectural, Structural, Civil, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, and Landscaping, I served initially as a Structural Engineer and later transitioned to the role of Project/Planning Engineer at Ceylinco Celestial Residencies in Colombo, Sri Lanka. My responsibilities included:- Basic Structural Design: Undertook the basic structural design of multi-story buildings, showcasing expertise in structural engineering principles.- Concrete Mix Design: Conducted concrete mix design activities, ensuring the optimal composition for structural elements.- Construction Master Schedule: Developed a comprehensive construction master schedule using Primavera P3 for Phase – I of the 44-story hotel and residential development.- Schedule and Cost Performance Reports: Prepared biweekly schedule and cost performance reports, facilitating effective project monitoring and control.- Progress Review Sessions: Conducted monthly progress review sessions with the piling contractor and general contractor, ensuring alignment with project timelines.- Engineering Coordination: Coordinated project-specific engineering activities, focusing on quality assurance and adherence to construction standards.- Inspection and Testing: Inspected and tested secant pile retaining walls and large-diameter bored and in-situ cast concrete piles, ensuring structural integrity.- Foundation Quality Assurance: Conducted Pile Integrity Test (PIT), Dynamic Load Testing (Pile Driving Analyzer), and Static Load Testing (Maintain Load Test according to BS8004) as part of the foundation's quality assurance program.- Health, Safety, and Environmental Assurance: Maintained a strong emphasis on health, safety, and environmental standards throughout the construction process.- Risk Analysis: Conducted risk analysis, identifying bored and cast piles for testing, and implementing risk mitigation measures.

During my involvement with the family business, a small-scale registered general contractor, specializing in new construction and renovation projects with esteemed clients such as Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Health Ministry, and Mahaweli Authority, I played a pivotal role in project management and construction operations. Key responsibilities included:-Cost and Schedule Control: Collaborated with the project manager to implement effective cost control and schedule management strategies, ensuring projects were delivered within the established parameters.- On-site Inspection: Conducted on-site inspections to oversee construction activities, verify adherence to project specifications, and identify potential areas for improvement.- Monthly Progress Reports and Billing: Prepared detailed monthly progress reports, encompassing project milestones, achievements, and challenges. Additionally, managed the billing process for the projects.- Engineering Coordination: Coordinated project-specific engineering activities, fostering seamless collaboration among engineering teams and ensuring the successful execution of construction plans.- Quality Monitoring: Monitored the quality of construction activities, implementing measures to uphold high standards and compliance with project requirements.- Health, Safety, and Environmental Assurance: Prioritized and maintained health, safety, and environmental standards on construction sites, contributing to a secure and sustainable working environment.My role in the family business provided valuable insights into the intricacies of construction project management, emphasizing efficiency, quality, and safety in all aspects of the construction process.

My tenure at Central Engineering Construction Bureau (CECB) commenced with my role as a Trainee Engineer in the Colombo District Secretariat Building project. CECB, being the premier consultancy in Sri Lanka with a diverse range of expertise in various engineering disciplines, provided me with valuable learning experiences and opportunities.In this role, I accomplished the following:- Construction Master Schedule: Developed a comprehensive construction master schedule utilizing Microsoft Project, ensuring effective project planning and coordination.- Progress Monitoring: Conducted weekly progress monitoring of sub-contractors, employing a proactive approach to identify and address any potential issues promptly.- Quality Assurance: Monitored and maintained the quality of construction activities, ensuring adherence to established standards and specifications.- Engineering Coordination: Coordinated project-specific engineering activities, facilitating seamless collaboration among various stakeholders involved in the project.- Health, Safety, and Environmental Assurance: Prioritized and upheld health, safety, and environmental standards during the construction phase, contributing to a secure and sustainable working environment.My engagement in the Colombo District Secretariat Building project at CECB equipped me with hands-on experience in project management, engineering coordination, and quality assurance within a reputable consultancy setting.

During my internship at Central Engineering Construction Bureau (CECB), I served as a CAD draftsman at the Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project, a joint venture between J-Power and CECB. In this role, I undertook the responsibility of digitizing paper topological area maps according to CECB specifications. This involved meticulous attention to detail, incorporating line colors and weights based on the type of structure, contour lines, and other relevant parameters. My contributions in this capacity played a vital role in the successful execution of the project's mapping and documentation requirements.

During my tenure with our family business, a third-generation small-scale registered general contractor, I played a crucial role in managing various construction projects involving prominent clients such as Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Health Ministry, and Mahaweli Authority. Key contributions and responsibilities included:- Assisting the project manager in implementing effective cost control and schedule management strategies for projects.- Conducting on-site inspections to ensure compliance with project specifications and timelines.- Preparation of monthly progress reports and billing documents for client projects.- Coordinating project-specific engineering activities to ensure seamless project execution.- Monitoring and ensuring the quality of construction work, adhering to industry standards and client expectations.- Implementing health, safety, and environmental measures to assure compliance during the construction phase.These experiences allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of construction project management, contributing to the success of our family business in delivering high-quality projects to esteemed clients.