CIOB and UOM successfully conclude WCS 2019

MAGA Engineering Ltd. receiving the CIOB Green Mark Gold Plus Certification from Prof. Chitra Weddikkara

Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) and Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, jointly organised the World Construction Symposium 2019 which was held on recently in Colombo for the eighth consecutive year. As always, it was a successful event, this time on the theme ‘Towards a Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Built Environment’. 

University of Moratuwa Vice Chancellor Prof. K.K.C.K. Perera graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Prof. Andrew Ross of Liverpool’s John Moovers University, UK, and Prof. Wei Pan of University of Hong Kong were the keynote speakers of the symposium. Liverpool’s John Moovers University, University of Hong Kong, IIT Madras, Western Sydney University, CSCT and BEPAM Journal were the associate partners for the event this year. Prof. Chitra Weddikkara is the Chairperson and Prof. Yasangika Sandanayake the Co-Chairperson of the Scientific Committee of this annual global symposium. CIOB President Dr. Rohan Karunaratne welcomed the international and local delegates and invitees attended the event. 

The resolution and concept of the World Construction Symposium is the promotion of academic and research activities in the field of sustainable construction.  During the day, the conference participants had the opportunity to take part in various sessions and develop communication, share knowledge and submit papers or theses significant for their professional development.

A fellowship and awards night concluded the event, with the participation from construction industry stakeholders as invitees. Awards were presented to the best paper on parallel sessions of the Symposium. CIOB’s Green Mark certification was also held at this awards night for builders, buildings and building products. Construction Industry Development Authority Chairman Eng. Gamunu Alawattegama was the Chief Guest for the evening. WCS Chairperson Prof. Weddikkara, Co-Chair Eng. Sagara Gunawardena and Dr. Karunaratne joined the Chief Guest on the stage with the university professors to give away the awards. 

Siam City Cement Lanka Ltd. supported this annual global event as the Platinum Sponsor and Kelani Cables PLC as the Gold Sponsor. Alumex PLC was the Silver sponsor and Elite Radio & Engineering Ltd., Macksons Paints Lanka Ltd. and Ceylon Steel Corporation were the Bronze Sponsors of the WCS 2019. As usual, Hatton National Bank continued as Official Banker, while TV Derana was the Electronic Media sponsor and Associated Newspapers Ceylon Ltd. the Print Media Sponsor. 

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau assists the cultural show of this world symposium to promote tourism. Major construction companies and stakeholders of the industry offered their support to make the event successful.