Challenging times for construction industry

The construction industry is facing one of the toughest years with the staggering number of layoffs across the world due to the global financial crisis, said President Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA), Jayantha Perera.

Eco-friendly architecture

He was addressing a ceremony to inaugurate the 'Architect 2009' Trade Exhibition at the BMICH on Tuesday.

"It is a critical year for the construction industry as the world is facing the most challenging times after the great depression in 1929", he said.

Perera said construction activities in the Middle East have been put on hold and job cuts in the sector have increased at an alarming rate.

Work on the world's tallest building in Dubai is severely affected and as a result it will not be different from the rest of the high rise buildings in the world.

"Sri Lanka has been resilient to many challenges. The world recession should be a time for correction. The SLIA will extend its fullest cooperation to develop the infrastrure in the country" he said.

Three special awards were presented at the event to Architect Ashley De Vos, Architect Prof. Lal Balasuriya and Architect Ole B Larsen for their contribution to architecture and design.

The SLIA is one of the founding members of the Commonwealth Association of Architects, the Architects' Regional Council of Asia and SAARC.

The institute was incorporated under an Act of Parliament in 1976.