REPORT OF ARCHITECTURAL ACTIVITIES JANUARY 2020 – SEPTEMBER 2020
by Nela De Zoysa
Hon. FAIA, FIA (SL), FRIBA, FRAIA, Intl. Assoc. RAIC, IIID, PG Dip ACOMAS
Country Representative – Sri Lanka
Event 01 “Leadership & Teamwork” by Ar. Richard Brindley, RIBA
Organized by the Student Events Committee (SEC) : Board of Architectural Education (BAE) of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA)
Date Friday, 3rd January 2020
Venue SLIA Auditorium
A Presentation by Ar. Richard Brindley, RIBA on “Leadership & Teamwork” was delivered for the Students of Architecture from the City School of Architecture (CSA), the University of Moratuwa (UoM) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT): School of Architecture.
The proceedings commenced at 6.00 pm with the Welcome Address by the Chair of the Board of Architectural Education, Ar. Nela De Zoysa, followed by the Address by the President of the SLIA, Ar. Veranjan Kurukulasuriya.
Ar. Richard Brindley addressed key areas of leadership and teamwork with special reference to students of Architecture, the curriculum and professionalism, which the students found informative yet overwhelming.
A Q&A session followed the Presentation by Ar. Richard Brindley, RIBA after which the Vote of Thanks was delivered, bringing the proceedings to a conclusion.
Event 02 “People, Personalities & Presentation” by Ar. Richard Brindley, RIBA
Organized by the RIBA Members Sri Lanka
Date Saturday, 4th January 2020
Venue Jubilee Hall, Galle Face Hotel
Ar. Richard Brindley, a prominent personality in the RIBA, was invited by the RIBA Members Sri Lanka to present “People Personalities & Presentations” to the Membership of RIBA Members Sri Lanka on Saturday, 4th January 2020 at 6.00 pm at the Jubilee Hall of the Galle Face Hotel.
The Chief Guest was the Chairman of the Urban Development Authority: Ar. Harshan De Silva and the Guest of Honor was the Third Woman Architect in Sri Lanka: Ar. Yvette Kahawita.
A moving Eulogy for Deshamanya (Sir) Roland Silva, who passed away on Wednesday, 1st January 2020, was delivered by the President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA): Ar. Veranjan Kurukulasuriya, preceding the Presentation by Ar. Richard Brindley.
In his Presentation, Ar. Richard Brindley spoke of the significance of understanding clients, their requirements, the commission, the construction team and all other stake holders, and the importance of effective communication throughout the entire process, which the spectators found most beneficial.
The Participation consisted of 70 RIBA International Chartered Members, 40 Guests and 50 Student Members.
A Networking Cocktail followed thereafter, where the Membership of RIBA Members Sri Lanka connected with the Speaker and one another, to soothing tunes by Friends in Harmony.
Event 03 Presentation by Maestro Raj Rewal for Students of Architecture
Organized by the Student Events Committee (SEC) : Board of Architectural Education (BAE) of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA)
Date Tuesday, 11th February 2020
Venue Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) Auditorium
A Presentation by Ar. Raj Rewal, RIBA on his work was delivered for the Students of Architecture from the City School of Architecture (CSA), the University of Moratuwa (UoM) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) : School of Architecture on Tuesday, 11th February 2020 at 10.30 am at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute Auditorium.
The Event was attended by an overwhelming audience of 500+ Students, Practitioners and Guests.
Following the Welcome Address by the Chair of the Board of Architectural Education, Ar. Nela De Zoysa, Ar. Raj Rewal commenced with his presentation, which featured some of his choicest works, his thoughts and the design process behind the innovative and monumental structures.
The Speaker interacted with the audience in an enticing Q&A session which followed his presentation.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Ar. Anurangi Mendis, A Committee Member of the Student Events Committee (SEC), thereby bringing the event to its conclusion.
Event 04 ACAE Student Workshop on Technology in Architectural Education
Organized by the Student Events Committee (SEC) : Board of Architectural Education (BAE) of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA)
Date Saturday, 16th February 2020
Venue SLIA Auditorium
The ARCASIA Committee for Architectural Education (ACAE) conducted a Student Workshop on Technology in Architectural Education for the Students of Architecture from the City School of Architecture (CSA), the University of Moratuwa (UoM) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT): School of Architecture on Saturday, 16th February 2020 at the SLIA Auditorium.
The Panel of Speakers included Past President of the SLIA : Ar. Jayantha Perera, Ar. D. B. Navaratne, Engineer Chandana Dalugoda, Ar. Adrianta Aziz, Ar. Narein Perera and Ar. Thanuja Liyanage along with 2 student representatives from the University of Moratuwa and the City School of Architecture.
The Welcome Address was delivered by the Chair of the Board of Architectural Education: Ar. Nela De Zoysa, followed by an address by the President of the SLIA: Ar. Veranjan Kurukulasuriya.
Ar. Jayantha Perera commenced the proceedings with an introduction to the topic, as the convener for the event. Ar. D. B Navaratne and Eng. Chandana Dalugoda presented a practitioner’s view on the topic, while Ar. Narein Perera addressed the topic from the perspective of an academic. Ar. Adrianta Aziz of the ACAE introduced an international perspective on the topic and Ar. Thanuja Liyanage elaborated on the technical and finer details from the view of the Industry.
The Student Representatives from the University of Moratuwa and the City School of Architecture explained through case studies the practical aspects implied by the topic from the Student’s perspective.
This was followed by an impactful Q&A Session where the participants, consisting of students, academics and practitioners, engaged with the Speakers.
The Vote of Thanks, delivered by Ar. Jayomi Yatawara, marked the conclusion of the event and the guests engaged in Fellowship.
Event 05 SLIA President’s Dinner 2020
Organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA)
Date Monday, 17th February 2020
Venue The Kingsbury Hotel
It is customary for the President of the SLIA to host the International Delegates and Dignitaries at a sit-down dinner in honor of the SLIA Annual Sessions.
President ARCASIA: Rita Soh and President CAA: Khalim Siddiqui were among the International Delegates in attendance.
Event 06 Inauguration Ceremony of the Annual Sessions and Trade Exhibition of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA)
Organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA)
Date Tuesday, 18th February 2020
Venue Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH)
The Inauguration Ceremony of the Annual Sessions and Trade Exhibition of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) marked the commencement of the 5-day event.
The Late Deshamanya Roland Silva was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was accepted by his wife, Mrs. Neela Silva.
5 Architects were inducted as Fellow Members of the SLIA and 74 Candidates were appointed as Associate Members of the SLIA.
The Design Awards for Excellence, Merit, Honorable Mention and Color for the year 2019 were presented.
Event 07 Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects 2020
Organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA)
Date Saturday, 22nd February 2020
Venue Committee Room C, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH)
The Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) was held on Saturday, 22nd February 2020 at the Committee Room C of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) premises.
Chair of the Board of Architectural Education (BAE), Ar. Nela De Zoysa, presented the BAE Report for the Year 2019 at the AGM.
Event 08 Conducting the MeAP Process for 14 Prospective Candidates
Organized by the RIBA Members Sri Lanka
Date Thursday, 2nd April and Friday, 3rd April 2020
Venue Microsoft Teams
RIBA Director Education: Prof. David Gloster and RIBA Part 3 Course Coordinator: Alison Mackinder were to fly down to Sri Lanka from London to assess 14 Candidates seeking RIBA Membership via MeAP. The Membership Eligibility Assessment Panel (MeAP) is a process by which Architects who have qualified from Schools of Architecture unaccredited / unknown to the RIBA, secure Membership of the RIBA.
Unfortunately, due to the sudden pandemic outbreak, these plans had to change. Alternatively, Prof. David Gloster, Alison Mackinder and RIBA Project Coordinator Education: Martina Amato conducted the MeAP Process virtually via Microsoft Teams for the 14 Candidates, maintaining clear correspondence through emails.
Having successfully completed the submissions, the Candidates were interviewed on 2 & 3 April 2020. Thereafter, the Panel declared that all Candidates were successful at the MeAP Process and have secured International Chartered Membership of the RIBA.
Event 09 Annual General Meeting of the RIBA Members Sri Lanka
Organized by RIBA Members Sri Lanka
Date Saturday, 29th August 2020
Venue Galle Face 2 Conference Room (Regency Wing) Galle Face Hotel
The Annual General Meeting of the RIBA Members Sri Lanka took place on Saturday, 29th August 2020 at the Galle Face 2 Conference Room (Regency Wing) of the Galle Face Hotel.
In spite of the prevailing conditions due to the Pandemic, a considerable participation of 31 Members was recorded.
The Chair, Ar. Nela De Zoysa, called the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the RIBA Members Sri Lanka to order at 5.15 pm and delivered the Welcome Address.
Honorary Secretary: Ar. Shevy Basnayake read the Minutes of the 2nd Annual General Meeting of the RIBA Members Sri Lanka, which took place on Saturday, 31st August 2019 at the IlPonte, Hilton Colombo, followed by the Report of Activities for the year 2019, which was ratified thereafter by Members in good standing.
Honorary Treasurer: Ar. Mohan Neligama presented the Audited Accounts for the period 1 January 2019 – 31 December 2019, concluding the proceedings for the year 2019.
The Following Members were appointed to the General Committee for the Year 2020:
Chair – Ar. Nela De Zoysa
Deputy Chair – Ar. Nilesh De Silva
Hon. Secretary – Ar. Shevy Basnayake
Hon. Treasurer – Ar. Mohan Neligama
Co-opted Members:
– Prof. Lal Balasuriya
– Ar. Jayantha Perera
– Prof. Lalith De Silva
Committee:
– Ar. Roshun Meezan
– Ar. Manjula Fernando (Trustee)
– Ar. Lal Abeyratne
– Ar. Chaminda Munasinghe
– Ar. Kosala Weerasekara
– Ar. Harshan De Silva
– Ar. Shaam Nizamuddin
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Deputy Chair: Ar. Nilesh De Silva and the Chair adjourned the 3rd AGM of the RIBA Members Sri Lanka for Fellowship and Refreshments thereafter.
Event 10 RIBA Members Sri Lanka Membership Forum
Organized by RIBA Members Sri Lanka
Date Saturday, 29th August 2020
Venue Historic Café Area (Regency Wing) Galle Face Hotel
The Membership Forum, which followed the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the RIBA Members Sri Lanka, took place on Saturday, 29th August 2020 at the Historic Café Area (Regency Wing) of the Galle Face Hotel.
This event was to congratulate the 14 Candidates who recently secured International Chartered Membership of the RIBA via MeAP.
The Chief Guest was the Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Rita Giulliana Mannella Giorgi, and the Guests of Honor were the first woman President of the SLIA: Prof. Chitra Weddikkara and Ar. Veranjan Kurukulasuriya.
The Chair of RIBA Members Sri Lanka: Ar. Nela De Zoysa delivered the Welcome Address, which was followed by an inspiring address by the Chief Guest.
A Recorded Message from RIBA Past President Jane Duncan was played, followed by an inspiring address by RIBA Vice President of Nations, Regions & Membership: Dr. Valeria Passetti and the Keynote Address by RIBA Director of Education: Prof. David Gloster.
The Felicitation of the 14 New Members who successfully completed the MeAP Process took place thereafter, where they were presented with the RIBA Members Sri Lanka Lapel Pin as their individual citations were read out.
Prof. Chitra Weddikkara, Jane Duncan and Veranjan Kurukulasuriya were celebrated as they were admitted as Patrons of RIBA Members Sri Lanka.
A Total Participation of 120 was recorded at the Membership Forum.
