Q: What is the nature of DIMO’s operations in the infrastructure sector?
A: Since its inception, DIMO has built a reputation as a giant in Sri Lanka’s automobile industry. Over the years, it has transformed significantly and now our operations extend beyond this.

Today, we are a diversified conglomerate with interests across many economic sectors including power and energy, water, agriculture, healthcare, construction and other engineering solutions.

We have consistently added value to infrastructure development in the country as a key player in the power and energy sector. DIMO has nurtured longstanding partnerships with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and Lanka Electricity Company (LECO), in stabilising and improving power supply quality.

As the government drives forward with plans to move towards renewable energy, we have strengthened its hand by providing state-of-the-art renewable energy technologies from our principals coupled with unparalleled in-house expertise to implement significant projects.

In the construction industry, we provide comprehensive solutions from construction machinery to innovative building services, encompassing security systems, advanced fire detection, lighting, elevators and escalators, car parking solutions, pumping solutions, building management systems (BMS), anchoring systems and more.

Water supply and sewerage management, and marine and general engineering, are other sectors within infrastructure development that the company operates in.

Q: As a pioneer providing the latest technologies to the Sri Lankan market, what trends has the company looked to introduce to infrastructure?
A: With the aim of improving grid stability, DIMO takes pride in having introduced and implemented the country’s first 220 kV variable shunt reactor (VSR) and 132 kV VSR projects for the CEB.

Presently, we are engaged in constructing grid substations in the north and east in partnership with our principal Siemens.

Our latest solution in the building management domain is the ‘ocean of sensors’ technology where data from hundreds of sensors in buildings are analysed, and help control air conditioning, lighting, water supply and elevators. This optimises performance, reduces energy consumption and offers residents convenience.

Similarly, our CCTV solutions in high end buildings and infrastructure are equipped with advanced video analytics software to ensure enhanced safety.

We aim to introduce road traffic management systems, airport management systems and other high-tech solutions. As for elevators, TWIN and MULTI elevators are the latest additions by our principal TK Elevator (TKE).

Q: What are the pandemic induced challenges faced by the infrastructure sector?
A: Inconsistent policies and an increase in raw material prices are key challenges. In addition, other issues arising as a result of the pandemic include manpower shortages, brain drain, scarcity of raw materials and freight delays.

Since DIMO is engaged in infrastructure projects funded by agencies such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), work has continued throughout the pandemic and we are compelled to minimise the loss of time.

Q: Has DIMO undertaken any major projects recently?
A: DIMO has been able to maintain its prime position in the building services space; and it has secured high profile projects across all sectors – including the John Keells Holdings waterfront project, Defence Headquarters Complex in Akuregoda, Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s (AVIC) Astoria Colombo, SLT Data Center, Dialog Data Centre and Media Hub, Western Province Council, Tri-Zen, National Museum Library and Orion City among several others.

With regard to power infrastructure, we are working on nine grid substations including the largest in the country.

As for water infrastructure, DIMO is engaged in the Ambatale, Orubendiweva and Bulathkohupitiya water supply schemes, as well as 12 others that are currently underway.

Q: How would you describe the competition – and how does DIMO look to stay ahead?
A: DIMO welcomes healthy competition as it helps improve the overall standard of the sector. As an industry leader, we keep raising the bar to ensure customer satisfaction and higher industry standards.

Since we always collaborate with global giants who have access to the latest global technology, we’re also equipped with the most experienced staff in the sector.

DIMO has been recognised by Great Place to Work® in Sri Lanka for nine consecutive years, and one of the key pillars of our success is retaining the most experienced and professional team members.

Q: And what are the organisation’s future plans?
A: DIMO is in the process of initiating backward integration as a future growth strategy. The aim is to propel the company into the international arena to compete with global players while gaining engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor status for large-scale infrastructure development projects.

To this end, DIMO is focussed on accelerated knowledge enhancement and technology adoption to establish its credentials in important overseas markets. We’re proud to have secured projects in the Maldives and Africa, and aim to expand our geographical footprint further.

 

INTERVIEWEE DETAILS
Wijith Pushpawela
Executive Director
CONTACT DETAILS
Telephone:2449797
Email:dimo@dimolanka.com
Website:www.dimolanka.com