SLIA adds architectural value to Jaffna school library building

The school library was re-opened by SLIA Senior Vice President Archt. D.H. Wijewardene with the participation of Northern Provincial Council Minister of Education, Cultural Affairs, Sports and Youth Affairs Thambyrajah Gurukularajah

The library renovated by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA)

It was decided to concentrate on social responsibility projects, especially in the Northern Peninsula during the 2015 Annual Sessions of Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA). A decision was taken to renovate a 100-year-old library building, which carries a significant architectural value, at the Vivekananda Vidyasalai in Manipay, Jaffna. 

The school library was re-opened by SLIA Senior Vice President Archt. D.H. Wijewardene with the participation of Northern Provincial Council Minister of Education, Cultural Affairs, Sports and Youth Affairs Thambyrajah Gurukularajah on 17 October. The occasion was graced by the President of SLIA, council members, politicians and members of SLIA.

One of the main objectives of this project is to show the policy makers and the general public in Jaffna the significance of preserving valuable old buildings that are on the verge of getting demolished.

Secondly, they wanted to show the necessity of keeping the character of buildings that are now coming up in the Peninsula, which appear to be shifting away towards standard building types. 

This building was opened with great enthusiasm by the politicians of Northern Provincial Council, officials of Department of Education together with the principal and school students. SLIA believes this shows the level of achievement in their expectations and hope that they were able to create a bridge of unity between different cultural and ethnic groups in North and South which will eventually accelerate the reconciliation process of the country.