The Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) concluded on a glamourous note with its Fellowship Nite attended by members of SLIA and special invitees. The event offered architects the opportunity to relax and celebrate with food and entertainment.
Media Coordination: Glenda Parthipan
The 31st Annual Sessions was themed “Think Smart -, Innovative Enterprise Architecture”, this year. The best architectural designs and locally manufactured products were recognized with awards of excellence at the ceremony.
Over 300 stalls, displaying the works of architectural firms, products and services of construction companies and designs and course work of students, at the Members’ Work and Trade Exhibition, drew thousands of visitors. The Exhibition was targeted at the general public and its main objective was to create awareness regarding the importance of any construction being built with the assistance and consultation of those who are qualified.
The highlight of this year’s session was the National Conference, which included eminent speakers such as Archt Kevin Owens from the United Kingdom who spoke of his role as the Design Principal of the London Organising Committee of the London Olympics and the Paralympic Games, Professor Jo Noero from South Africa who discussed his work related to the townships of South Africa and Dr Bimal Patel from India who contributed as an architect to improve the quality of life in certain parts of India. Other industry experts included Dr Rory Hyde and Dr Ranjith Dayaratne who stressed on the public generated ventures. Archt Milroy Perera, Archt Suranjith De Silva and Archt Mark Baughman added their expert knowledge regarding public generated small scale ventures that concerns about public welfare.
The Annual General Meeting saw a new Council taking over for the 2013/2014 session. Professor Chitra Weddikara was inducted as the first Lady President of SLIA. Issues on the membership and profession, progresses made up to now and future plans of the SLIA were also discussed amongst the membership present at the meeting.
