SLIA holds Architects’ Regional Exhibition at Dutch Market in Nupe, Matara

Thursday, 2 August 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) held its regional exhibition for the year 2018 at Old Dutch Market in Nupe, Matara from 28 to 30 July.

As the first destination from Down South, the event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Minister of Finance and Mass Media Mangala Samaraweera (MP).

Sri Lanka Institute of Architects has planned these regional events to take architecture to the regions as a matter of equal importance to the rapid development taking place in Colombo.

The event is expected to be a great success thanks to the dedication of SLIA President Archt. D.H. Wijewardene FIA (SL), exhibition committee chairman and SLIA Vice President Archt. Russell Dandeniya FIA (SL) and all the members of the SLIA.

Matara is a significant city which is well known for its architectural heritage, having been ruled by the Portuguese in the 16th Century and by the Dutch in 18th Century. These two colonials have left behind edifices of their heritage and culture and we are privileged to have them even to this day. The venue of the event, the Nupe Dutch Market, is steeped in history for its architectural value.

With the presence of such important Architectural monuments it is apt that SLIA has chosen Matara to showcase the works of its members and come of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects carried out by the SLIA. The SLIA has planned to erect 100 vertical flags in strategic locations in the Matara Town while posters and leaflets carrying exhibition information will be distributed to make people aware of the event during these three days.

SLIA expects the general public, government officials, university students, senior school children, employees of state and financial institutions and entrepreneurs of the Southern Province will make use of the exhibition. SLIA has conducted similar successful exhibitions in the past in Ratnapura, Galle, Negombo, Kandy and Jaffna and this will be yet another outstanding addition to that list. As an added feature, an Architectural Clinic will be made available at the exhibition for the general public to discuss and offer advices on their architecture- related problems.

The SLIA thanks Udaya Abeygunasekera, proprietor of Udaya Constructions Ltd. for the support extended to make the event a great success and Architect Dr. Senaka Dharmatilleke for educating the public on Revival of Colonial Urban Heritage in Matara. The organisers also thank all the members who have given panels on their creations of great architecture.