Do away with red tape, political influence

One of the key architects to redesign the Singapore (Changi) airport terminal one and the mentor behind the 70 storeyed UOB Plaza, the 50 storeyed Raffles Quay and many other similar land mark buildings which are changing the Singapore skyline speaks to Daily News Rendez-vous.

Shirajiv Sirimane in Singapore

A few corrupt politicians and fraudulent public servants should be tried and sent to jail so that it would set an example for other Sri Lankans to be cautious and not to indulge in corruption said Associate of Architects 61, one of Singapore’s top three architect companies, Dhananjana K. Amarasekere.

Speaking to ‘Daily News Business Rendezvous’ from his Singapore office, Amerasekere said tough laws should be introduced while corrupt politicians and public servants should be punished setting an example to others. “Lankan law enforcement authorities should be ruthless on corruption,” he said.

“This has never happened in Sri Lanka and if and when this happens the brain drain would stop while there would be more investments as well,” he said.

The uncalled for red tape, political, influence, inefficiencies by some State owned institutions and delays drives investors away in Sri Lanka. He also said that Sri Lanka is imposing too much of taxes while in Singapore, they are simple and very minimal.

He said that one other reason for intellectuals to leave the country is there is no ‘fair play’ as influential people can get away with anything. “Recently at the National Kidney Foundation Institute in Singapore there was a major scandal and despite the CEO being a very influential person he is now in jail,” he said.

Dhananjana the son of former Public Enterprise Reform Commission (PERC) Chairman Nihal Sri Amarasekere also feels that the public servants should be paid higher salaries. “There shouldn’t be a gap between the public and private sector employees,” he said. This would not encourage a public servant to solicit a bribe. This is happening in Singapore.

What made you to decide to become an architect?

Architects can create something off nothing. From my childhood days I had a liking for paintings and want to build things. After my education at S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia and Colombo International in Colombo, I entered Yale University to follow the bachelor’s degree in architecture and then the Pennsylvania University to follow the Master’s of architecture. Subsequently I was employed as a design architect at MGA partners in Philadelphia.

What made you decide to leave USA?

I was looking for opportunities and also I prefer the Asian environment and culture. When I was head hunting I was recruited by Architechts61.

What were the major projects you are involved?

The Singapore (Changi) airport terminal one redevelopment was one of the first projects I was involved in. The 70-storeyed UOB Plaza, 50 storeyed Raffles Quay and 50 storeyed new financial centre and many other similar landmark buildings, which are changing the Singapore skyline.

In addition, I am currently involved in the building of a Resort style up market condominiums at the Senthosa islands. These include facilities to anchor yachts, club houses and many other luxuries.

How do you see Sri Lanka’s architecture?

There are many new emerging architects. However they have to come out with new designs. I think the security measures used in condominiums too have to improve.

In Singapore we use Bio Metrics such as thumb imprints to gain entry and such technology should be used. There is also a security concierge where people would be greeted.

More entertainment facilities for condominiums should be introduced such as Club houses and I think the lay out of swimming pools are ‘not quite right’. I admire the work done by Geoffery Bawa.

How do you see Colombo City development?

There is something happening, however it is very slow. If you go out of Singapore and return after two months you can see a change. I don’t see any planning in the Colombo city. One must remember that Singapore also followed the ‘Colombo Plan’ to develop the country. However back in Sri Lanka I do not know what happened to that project.

A lot of potential land is being underutilised in Sri Lanka. The land near Galle Face can be developed as a financial district. The Government buildings should be relocated.

The political capital should be in Sri Jayawardhanapura and it will also create less security concerns in Colombo.

More leisure activities should be developed and the Beira Lake is the ideal place to have floating restaurants. Glass covered walkways should be developed for shopping and dining. An underground or overhead train system is a must for the country.

What is the advice you can give future would be architects?

First a person must understand that being an architect is not an 8-hour job and it is a ‘calling job.’ The person must believe in it as the job involves a lot of hard work, long hours of work and you also bring back ‘work’ home.

You must have a liking for fine arts, sculpture, history and literature. One must remember that architects don’t retire and their best creations come out, when they are over 60.

How do you see the ethnic conflict?

I think it should be settled politically and all communities should live in harmony as in Singapore.

What is your favourite past time?

If I find time I play tennis, read, draw and paint. And as for my favourite place to stay in Sri Lanka are the Geoffrey Bawa designed hotels as I enjoy his creations. Dan strongly believes that Sri Lanka needs a far superior public transport system that is dependable. “I use the Singapore Tube Train (MRT) to come to office.”

Pictures by Saliya Rupasinghe