Award-winning UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash, has been appointed for a £2m fit out project at the British High Commission in Colombo,
Sri Lanka.

Work on the 3,000 square metre building adds to the long list of international projects
Gilbert-Ash has completed with the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), with work undertaken in a total of 43 countries worldwide to date.

This is the second project Gilbert-Ash has completed on the British High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka having completed a £5m refurbishment project in May 2016.

Scheduled to take seven months to complete, the fit out project involves re-roofing the building and eradicating damage prevalent in the region due to its climate. The new roof is a
purpose-made steel roof specially commissioned by Gilbert-Ash in Birmingham to meet exacting British standard specification and will be shipped to Sri Lanka in the coming weeks.

With a population of 21 million, Sri Lanka’s economy has shown strong growth, reflecting a peace dividend and a determined policy goal of reconstruction and development. The UK accounts for about 10% of Sri Lanka’s total exports to the world and ranks as the second largest export market for Sri Lanka after the USA.

As well as shipping materials from the UK, Gilbert-Ash will also be working collaboratively with Sri Lankan construction companies to source local supplies, labour and expertise to support the fit out of the British High Commission.

Andrew Whitten, General Manager, Gilbert-Ash Fit Out commented: “We are delighted to return to Colombo for the High Commission project. Using our experience of carrying out work here previously and with the help of local Sri Lankan companies, we are looking forward to completing the project to the highest UK standards despite the harsh, humid climate.

“Through our international work with the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), we have built up a very skilled, rapid deployment team over the last two decades, to undertake these highly challenging projects. Every project is different and we have to know the unique business practices and cultural subtleties thoroughly in each market. This has enabled our staff to work successfully in over 43 countries which is testimony to their adaptability and can-do attitude.”

The British High Commission in Colombo is responsible for maintaining and developing relations between the UK and Sri Lanka and provides services to British nationals living in and visiting Sri Lanka.

Highly detailed design, advanced logistical planning and development goes into every

Gilbert-Ash fit out project, with the team skilled in delivering the finest quality projects on a global scale. To meet exacting specification standards befitting the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the company ships many of its fit out materials around the world.

The leading construction company has specialist fit out expertise in a range of sectors including workplace, retail, leisure and restoration.

For more information on Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com