SL architects association urges Govt. to give it a permanent building

The premier body of architects in Sri Lanka which plays a dominant role in the building construction industry is without a permanent building of its own.

Prof. (Ms) Chitra Weddikkara, President, Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) making the welcome address at the inauguration of the 33rd Annual Sessions of Architect 2015 drew the attention of Urban Development, Water Supply and Drainage, Rauf Hakeem to the fact that their office is housed in a rented out government building and urged the Minister to ensure that a building is given to them permanently.

The Minister who was present as the Chief Guest responded positively to this request and said that he would get the Cabinet approval to accede to this request.

The 33rd Annual Sessions of SLIA commenced this week at the BMICH and three Cabinet Ministers - Mr Hakeem; Sajith Premadasa, Minister of Housing and Samurdhi and Navin Disssanayake, Minister of Tourism and Sports participated in the inaugural session and all the three ministers pledged to be transparent in all the activities in their ministries.

Mr. Hakeem speaking as Chief Guest said that Sri Lanka is still struggling to implement the investments needed to effectively manage urban growth and pointed out that while the country is rapidly going through urbanisation, it also faces challenges in ensuring systematic, fair distribution and sustainability. The development, he said, is haphazard in urban areas with limited services and congestion.

He asserted that Sri Lanka's future is defined in its urbanisation management and his ministry is to map that path and SLIA would be a part of crafting that future strategy.

There are challenges for investors, he said, where the regulatory processes are lengthy and confusing. He pointed out that their agencies could be more customer responsive and constructive to encourage competition.

He said that the government is in the process of creating an enabling environment for investors, where professional engagement is vital. Therefore, he noted, the government would appoint qualified and experienced professionals to these key institutions to bridge this gap between state institutions and the private sector.

Mr. Premadasa and Mr. Dissanayake also addressed the sessions.