The Sri Lanka Institute of Architects’ (SLIA’s) ‘Architect 2018’ is the most looked forward to trade exhibition in the country. The inauguration ceremony of the Annual Sessions of Architect 2018 was held on 21st February at 3.30pm with President Maithripala Sirisena as chief guest and Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Patali Champika Ranawaka as guest of honour.
The second day’s sessions were held with Minister of Housing & Construction Sajith Premadasa as chief guest and Prime Minister’s Spokesperson and Deputy Head of the Prime Minister’s Office Rosy Senanayake as guest of honour. Held by the SLIA for the 36th consecutive time at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), the exhibition is scheduled to end today, 25th February 2018.
Minister Sajith Premadasa said ‘architecture has experienced remarkable achievement with extensive growth and development in the quality of buildings constructed. Architecture of the past was the frontier for cultural development, whilst the present will be the heritage of the future’.
The President of the SLIA Archt. D.H.Wijewardane in his welcome address said that Sri Lanka should be able to share architectural expertise with other nations, whilst also gaining new knowledge and know-how.
The theme ‘Architecture to represent people and place’ addressed this concern. Sri Lanka would soon be one of the best countries to invest in with great development in architecture. The legendary Architects Exhibition has evolved to its peak as SLIA celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
President of the International Union of Architects (UIA) Archt. Thomas Vonier in his address said that architecture had seen a great revolution in the world and plays a very important role in bringing together people and place. Vonier is a renowned professional in the architecture industry with global experience and has led many ground-breaking research for many US delegations which has brought about significant and revolutionary results.
National Conference Committee Chairman Archt. Migara Alwis emphasized that the conference will give insights to development which would take place in the future respecting people, tradition, culture and heritage - development done in harmony.
The SLIA had invited Archt.Prof. Li Xiaodong of China to be the keynote speaker, while Archt. Serina Hijjas of Malaysia and Archt. Jin Koyama of Singapore shared their experiences in the practice of architecture along with locally renowned architects Archt. Channa Daswatta and Archt. Phillip Weeraratne.