'Architects to be stakeholders in making Lanka the Wonder of Asia'

By Rohana Jayalal

The 31st annual sessions of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA), 'Architect 2013' under the theme 'Think Smart Innovative Enterprise - Architecture' was inaugurated by Minister of International Monetary Co-operation and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Sarath Amunugama at the BMICH last week. Mayor, Colombo Municipal Council, A.J.M. Muzammil and foreign guests were present.

SLIA officials welcome chief guest Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Sarath Amunugama at 'Architect 2013' Pic: Vipula Amarasinghe

Dr Amunugama said, “We have embarked on economic growth and on architectural and cultural advancement. In this year's UN's Economic report, Sri Lanka will be named the fastest growing economy in the South East Asian region”.

President of SLIA, Archt Ranjan Nadesapillai said, “The celebration of our annual session is a tradition where achievements by the institute and membership throughout the year are brought into focus.”

He said that all the companies of the architecture exhibition play a significant role for architectural professionals and the construction industry in Sri Lanka.He said that the vision of the SLIA is to create an environment for its members to be the forerunners and stakeholders in the Government's drive towards making Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia.

The sessions also witnessed the induction of seven fellow members and 60 associate members to the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects which was later followed by the annual awards presentation.

Awards were given for best performance, best product, best green stall, best innovation, use of colour and overall best stall and other awards were given for colour, design, research and publication and for the best architect's panel.'Architect 2013' has been organised by the SLIA with the support of their strategic sponsor Alumex (Pvt) Ltd, associate sponsor Ranjanas Ceramic (Pvt) Ltd and the main sponsor for the national conference Phoenix FlowGuard. The Fellowship Nite was sponsored by Charter House and Lankem Robbialac.

The exhibition concludes today.