Minister Amunugama inaugurates annual sessions of Sri Lanka Institute of Architects

Participating in the inauguration of the annual sessions of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects as chief guest, on behalf of the President, Dr. Sarath Amuunugama, Minister of Special Assignments said that in designing the new Colombo that is emerging one must not look only at the requirements of the business community and the affluent classes but also into the interests of the city poor, many of whom had migrated from the villages decades ago, seeking greener pastures. He said that the poor have catered to various needs of city life over the years and they must share in the benefits of upgrading the city.

Earlier the Minister referred to the emerging Port City and observed that one third of the newly reclaimed land there will be earmarked for parkland and public spaces. Dr. Amunugama also referred to the industrial city that will soon develop in the environs of the Hambantota harbour and the Mattala airport. The minister said that already negotiations have been held with 450 companies and that many more are due to follow. He further said that the development of Kandy, Trincomalee and several industrial corridors is also on the cards and that all this will mean that architects will have their hands full.  The minister observed that in the current advance towards increasing urbanisation, with about 40% of world population coming to live in cities, within the next three or four decades, the environmental sustainability and the upgrading of the quality of life in the cities must be a prime concern of every one including the architects. 

The Minister thanked the Institute of Architects on behalf of the President for the very valuable professional services they have been rendering over the years. 

This function was held at the BMICH on Tuesday 14 February.