Architect 2013 opens in grandeur

The Inauguration Ceremony of the 31st Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA), “Architect 2013” commenced at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) yesterday.

The grand opening of the five day session that sees multifaceted events was graced by several ministers and government officials.

The guests from overseas included Architect Kevin Owens, Prof. Jo Noero, Architect Dr. Rory Hyde, Dr. Bimal Patel and Architect Mark Baughman, Dr. Darin Gunasekera and Dr. Ranjith Dayaratne who have come down to Sri Lanka specifically to address the National Conference on Architecture 2013.

Sarath Amunugama, Minister of International Monetary Co-operation and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, being welcomed at the inauguration of the Architect 2013, exhibition, which began at the BMICH yesterday.

The official theme for Architect 2013 “Think Smart Innovative Enterprise Architecture” was unveiled after the ceremonial commencement of the inauguration ceremony.

In his speech, Archt Ranjan Nadesapillai, President of SLIA said, “The celebration of our annual session is traditionally the culminating ceremonial function of the year where laudable achievements by the institute and the membership throughout the year are brought in to focus.

He also mentioned that the member's Work and Trade Exhibition, National Conference on Architecture, Annual General Meeting and the Fellowship Nite which were the main components of the annual sessions plays a significant role for architectural professionals and the construction industry in Sri Lanka.

Archt Nadesapillai also mentioned that the vision for the SLIA is to create the environment for its members to be the forerunners and stakeholders in the present Government's drive towards making Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia in accordance with the vision of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Newly enrolled members of SLIA were presented with scrolls to epitomise their association with the Institute. The inauguration also saw awards of excellence in the field of architecture being presented to members of SLIA.

These awards recognised exceptional design abilities, use of colour and honoured outstanding design in various categories of construction.

This year an award and merit has been made to recognise outstanding contribution to architectural related publications in the last ten years.

In addition, product awards were presented to the best locally manufactured products.

Prof. Chithra Weddikkara, Senior Vice President of SLIA made the vote of thanks as they moved on to ceremonially open the members' Work and Trade Exhibition which was also being held at the BMICH until the February 24.

Apart from the inauguration ceremony the annual sessions of 2013 included the members' Trade and Work Exhibition, the National Conference, the Annual General Meeting and the Fellowship Nite for a festive closing.

Architect 2013 is organised by the SLIA together with the support of their Strategic Sponsor Alumex (Pvt) Ltd, Associate sponsor Ranjanas Ceramic Pvt Ltd and the main sponsor for the National Conference PhoenixFlowGuard.

The Fellowship Nite is sponsored by Charter House and Lankem Robbialac.

The event co - sponsors are Asoka Glass Co, Delmege Forsyth & Co Ltd and Bluscope Lysaght.