Architect 2017 from 16-19 Feb.

From left: Architect 2017 Inauguration Committee Chairman Architect Migara Alwis,  Media Committee Chairperson Architect Dilummini De Mel, SLIA Secretary Architect Russell Dandeniya, SLIA President Architect Harsha Fernando, SLIA Senior Vice President Architect D.H. Wijewardene, SLIA Vice President and Exhibition Committee Chairman - Architect 2017, Architect Bernard Gomez and Architect 2017 National Conference Committee Chairman Architect Salinda Rathugama 

Architect 2017, the preeminent and most popular exhibition hosted by Sri Lanka Institute of Architect’s (SLIA), the institute of architecture in the country, will be held for the 35th consecutive time at the BMICH from 16-19 February. 

The Members’ Work and Trade Exhibition with 305 stalls and 135 panels displaying architects’ work will be open to the general public from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. providing the ultimate experience to viewers.

This exhibition will showcase the work of architectural firms, creations and course work of the students of architecture from the University of Moratuwa and the City School of Architecture. The trade exhibition will consist of trade stalls, displaying a variety of products both imported and locally manufactured, ranging from products related to construction, sanitary ware, interior decors and landscaping. New technology available in the local market will also be displayed.  An awards scheme will recognise the best trade stalls that reflect the theme.

The Member’s Work and Trade Exhibition is targeted at the general public of Sri Lanka and expects to create awareness of the importance of any construction being built with the assistance and consultation of those who are qualified. 

One of the highlights at the exhibition will be the SLIA Information Centre where visitors will get the opportunity to learn firsthand about the practice of architecture and the benefits of properly designed and built environments. 

The Information Centre will also have the publications of the SLIA on display for sale and along with it the stalls hosted by the University of Moratuwa and the City School of Architecture will be a resource hub to young individuals who wish to pursue architecture as a profession.

The inauguration ceremony of the Annual Sessions of 2017 will be held tomorrow at 3.15 p.m. The event will be graced by the Minister of Special Tasks, Dr. Sarath Amunugama as the presiding officer representing President Maithripala Sirisena while Minister of Housing and Samurdhi, Sajith Premadasa and City Planning and Water Supply Minister Rauff Hakeem will attend as the Guests of Honour. Deputy Minister of Public Enterprise Development Eran Wickramaratne will be a special invitee.

Members of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, members of other architectural institutes in the region, foreign guests, special invitees and students of architecture will also be present at the inauguration. This year’s National Conference will be held on 15 February under the theme ’Return of the City’- Mega Structure Redefined. The event will be graced by Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, who will attend as the Chief Guest while Minister of Prisons Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs D. M. Swaminathan will attend as a special invitee.

World-renowned architects such as Moshe Shafdie and Gibson Rhie will deliver the keynote speeches and share their expertise on architecture and urban designing. Locally-renowned architects such as Dr. Ronald Silva, Madhura Prematileke, D.B. Navaratne and foreign architects such as Prof. Miki Desai and Tomohiko Yamanashi will also share their knowledge on architecture and urban designing. The National Conference is expected to be a major event at the regional level. 

The National Conference promises to be an exciting conference, with relevance not only for architects but for all who have a fascination with architecture, design and the way our physical surroundings are made which impacts our lifestyles. The ceremonial opening of the Members’ Work and Trade Exhibition will be held soon after the National Conference. 

The Alumex Group has led as the Strategic Sponsor, holding the top spot while Lankem Robbialac has joined hands with SLIA as the Principal Sponsor, Idea Group Ltd. has come on board as the sponsor for the National Conference -2017, Naveen Ceramic Ltd. as the sponsor for the SLIA Member’s Event while Ranjanas Ceramic Ltd, True Value Products Ltd. and Nippon Paint Lanka Ltd. joined in as Associate Sponsors.

The event sponsors are Abans Engineering Ltd, ST. Anthony’s Ltd, Hayleys Lighting Ltd. and Melwa Ltd. The Media Sponsor for Architect 2017 is MBC Networks Ltd.