The Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) marked the opening day of its 25th Annual Session with Architect 2008 at the BMICH. The theme for the event was ‘Architect the Initiator.’ SLIA also launched their very own architectural journal, The Architect, at the opening ceremony. Jayantha Perera, President, SLIA, handed over the first copy of the magazine to Rathnasiri Wickramanayake, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, who was Chief Guest. Copies were also given to the Guests of Honour, Dinesh Gunawardene, Minister of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development, and Ferial Ashraff, Minister of Housing and Common Amenities.
Architect Bernard Gomez, Chairman, Board of Architectural Publications (BAP), said, “It gives me great pleasure to add one more milestone to the achievements of the SLIA with the launch of our journal, The Architect, our forum for highlighting issues, events and architectural accomplishments of our members. We felt it was time to take it to the realm of the public. This makes it a valuable tool in taking architecture and the issues that face it to a public forum.”
Architect Ulrik Plesner, Managing Partner, Plesner Architects, Israel, who has been working for many years here in Sri Lanka, and had a professional association with Architect Geoffrey Bawa, was the keynote speaker during the occasion.
Individuals who made immense contributions to the profession were aptly recognised by the Institute during the gathering. Architect Surath Wickramasinghe, past President of the SLIA and founder President of the Chamber of Construction Industry, was awarded with a Gold Medal, while Architect Ulrik Plesner was bestowed upon with an honorary membership of the SLIA. In addition, Design Group 5 International, a registered practice at the SLIA and industry leader in Sri Lanka for the last 35 years, was presented with a Special Award.
Photo Caption – Jayantha Perera, President, SLIA (right), handing over the inaugural copy of ‘The Architect’ to Rathnasiri Wickramanayake, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (left)
