Architect 2006 opens at BMICH: Local professionals should be given preference - SLIA president

Irangika Range

CONSTRUCTION: There are many instances where local consultants have been overlooked in foreign funded projects and this should be changed and local professionals should be given preference, said the President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, SLIA Rukshan Widyalankara.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Architect 2006 in BMICH yesterday he said that "non-professionals are being awarded large scale government projects and this too should be addressed and halted," he said.

Sri Lankan Architects are ready to support goals spelled through "Mahinda Chinthana" He said that architectures would take a lead role to take up these development challenges specially outside the western province even going to the extent of having model villages in each Grama Niladhari Division.

It also concentrates on the promotion of foreign direct investment to Sri Lanka. "We have the capacity and the resources to handle such ventures and we need greater recognition for our efforts and profession," he said.

It is equally important that the bureaucratic and the administrative apparatus of the government also facilitate to its objectives.

"I am indeed thankful to be able to address the nations architects, representatives of whom are gathered here today. In a developing country such as ours architectural skills are called for in increasing volume and frequency," said Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake who was the chief guest.

"As we look around in the city, in the towns and out in the country we see an increasing amount of construction work going on, which is a sign of progress, of development, a sign also of a living, healthy economy," he said.

There are signs that our country is becoming more conscious than before of architecture. An indication of this are the new trends and styles we see around us, be they houses or office blocks or shops and markets.

"Some of these trends and styles are pleasing to the eye, pleasing to one's aesthetic sense. Some are not, and, let me be frank, some are too ostentatious, and some obviously unsuited to our environment and our climate," he added.

"The best architecture, in my own mind, is that which draws on our own heritage and our own culture and our traditions in building, and that which is ever mindful of our environment, climate and our life styles. We have had reputed architects who have done just that and have been acclaimed not only in our own country but also abroad," the Prime Minister said.
