Architects should not only be aesthetic but affordable as well _ Prime Minister

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

The 27th Annual General Sessions of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) concluded at the Water's Edge hotel, Battaramulla last Wednesday. Several important personalities of the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) the International Unions of Architects and the Architects Regional Council of Asia too were present on the occasion.

SLIA President, Chandana Edirisuriya presents a memento to Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka. Pic by Saliya Rupasinghe

Several prominent speakers addressed core issues relating to the architecture profession. The keynote speech was delivered by Architect Gordon Chong an eminent personality from USA. Other eminent architects from various countries such as Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, Malaysia, USA, and UK were present on the occasion. The Minister of Housing and Common Amenities, Ferial Ashraff was the guest of honour. Presentations of scrolls for new members of the profession was followed by the presentation of awards for design, colour, research, and publications.

Several veteran figures of the local architectural industry were conferred with honours. Architect Lalith Devendra de Silva, was awarded the honorary Fellowship of SLIA, while Professor Nimal de Silva was presented with a special award in recognition of the services he rendered to the field of architectural education.

Architect Valentine Gunesekera was awarded the honorary membership of SLIA for his contribution towards architecture.

The Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, the chief guest on the occasion said the theme at the SLIA sessions were re-thinking and sustainability. "I would like you to include affordability in your deliberations for a country such as ours.

The works of Architects should not be confined to aesthetic beauty alone but be affordable as well.

Many young people who aspire to build houses have limited resources, the difficulty they face in this country.

The young setting off their journey in life deserve a decent home which they can afford to build and maintain. However both requirements have to be met, he said.

The Prime Minister on behalf of the Government extended a warm welcome to foreign delegates present on the occasion. "You have come here at a time when changes are taking place across the country in various aspects.

This was an ideal time for you to do a survey and find out how development programs are being drawn up and implemented. This was a time of change and challenges," and we are confident that we will be able to fulfil them in due course. I am happy that you all are here, " he said.

"I am being told for the first time that the Commonwealth Association of Architects were in Sri Lanka. I attended the Commonwealth Conference a few months ago and I wish you all a happy sojourn in our land, " he said.

The President, SLIA Chandana Edirisuriya said several projects will be developed following peace in the country. Contribution from architects will be needed in the near future for development projects. The SLIA will make a significant contribution towards nation building and would help the government in this regard. The SLIA has worked out a mechanism to select consultants for projects initiated by government organisations, he said.