Building industry vital in development

The combined effort of all people is required for the development of our country. It is also important for our architects to work as a team with engineers and scientists to design affordable housing, said Housing Minister Gitanjana Gunawardena at the Architects’ Members Works and Trade Exhibition - 2010. The text of the Minister’s speech:

The development of our country requires the combined effort of people of all walks of life. The services from professionals like architects, engineers, planners and all those connected with the building industry are of utmost importance for the development of Sri Lanka.

I have no doubt that professionals are aware of the future endeavours of the Government through its vision Mahinda Chintana which envisages Sri Lanka to be the dynamic hub of Asia in trade, economy, naval, aviation and tourism.

In this context it is also important for Sri Lankan Architects to co-operate with engineers and scientists to design affordable housing for the broad mass of the people.

I hope I will not be misunderstood, affordable housing should not be at the cost of safety and comfort. With energy prices due to rise in the next decade the Cost of Living cannot be held only by macro-economic measures, it is our duty as architects, engineers and scientists to put technology to use to make an appreciable impact on reducing costs.

One area I feel where a huge impact could be made is in the area of building costs. Designs must take into account the use of low cost materials and also attempt to maximize productivity of labour inputs whose costs are rising in a phenomenal manner.

As architects I would also entreat you to design houses for the masses which I would term are environment and climate friendly that is designs that take into account the heat and rain of the tropics and that you co-operate with others in the field to devise effective disposal systems for the waste and rubbish which today have dimmed the urban prospect. I hope you will innovate on these lines making use of the great development in the sciences during the last few decades.

I would also like to draw your attention to the haphazard manner in which some areas are presently growing leading to serious social problems whilst at the same time denuding human as well as other resources from the interland. It is important that you together with town planners and others employ techniques to shift investment, skills and labour to other potential growth regions especially villages in order that the next decade in Sri Lanka will see growth with equity to all as envisaged by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, whose vision in initiating the Hambantota Development Project is the first step in this direction.

I might in this connection mention the Arunodaya pro poor housing program of the Urban Development Ministry which has and seeks to give relief to the poorly housed in urban and rural areas.

Our is a Nation of abundant resources both physical and human and it is up to institutions such as yours to guide Sri Lanka to achieve the status of a developed Nation. We know that the Sri Lanka Association of Architects throughout its existence has been actively engaged in the development and advancement of architecture and urban design in Sri Lanka.

I believe it is my duty to mention that the National Heritage of this country in architecture, engineering and hydrology stands high not only in Asia but also in the entire world. These are recorded not only in history books but also etched in stone in many inscriptions and monument found in the island. Thus we owe to past and future generations that we in the present era should make use of modern technology and advancements that are taking place to cater to the urgent needs of the public at large.

This Architects’ Members Work and Trade Exhibition held annually has been very popular with the people.

The public has had the opportunity to view and appreciate every year these technological advances and to appreciate products and services displayed at this mega exhibition.

From corporate entities to the house builder these exhibits will be of enormous use. This has also given the SLIA members the opportunity to display their designs, products and services.

I am sure the presence of delegates from CAA and other International Bodies related to the Profession of Architects represents the tranquillity at present existing in Sri Lanka and is a message of strength to peace we have achieved in the country after 30 years of stressful terrorist activity. No doubt the deliberations of the sessions and the sharing of your combined knowledge and talents will enable all of you to develop a vision which could assist the development of our country.