Architect of the Year Awards in Sri Lanka

By Lalin Fernandopulle

Over 90 percent of the building designs in Sri Lanka are done by non professionals, said Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA), President Ranjan Nadesapillai at the launch of the Architect of the Year Awards (AYA) to be held in Sri Lank today. This is the first time AYA is held outside India.

Nadesapillai said this is disastrous for the architectural industry which is recognised globally. Many of the local government architecture is done by an engineer and a technical officer who is less qualified for the task.

"The SLIA has made several representations of the matter to the government which has pledged to rectify the issue," Nadesapillai said.The Institute of Architects plays a major role in the construction industry and is a vital cog in the economy of the country. AYA has been felicitating architects in India and overseas since 1990. AYA rewards outstanding efforts of architects from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Seychelles, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives for setting the benchmark for the industry.

The AYA is held once in three years by JK Cement a leading producer of cement in India.

The inclusion of the Green Architecture category is a unique feature of this year's awards. Awards are presented under categories such as public building, group housing, projects designed but not executed. AYA rewards young architects at national and State level.

JK Cement, Managing Director Yadupati Singhania said that he was delighted to hold the event outside of India and for the first time in Sri Lanka which will be a good exposure for Sri Lankan architects.

"Architects in developing countries face many challenges in town planning, infrastructure development and affordable housing. The modern construction industry is marked with tremendous innovative ideas most of which go unrecognised," Singhania said.