Architect 2018 from 22 to 25 February

FIA(SL) President Archt. D. H. Wijewardene (Center) addressing the press conference others from left : -  FIA(SL) Media Committee Chairperson  Archt. Sagara Jayasinghe, FIA(SL) Hony. Secretary Archt. Rohana Bandara, FIA(SL) Senior Vice President Archt. Veranjan Kurukulasuriya, FIA(SL) Vice President/Exhibition Committee Chairman Archt. Russell Dandeniya, FIA(SL) National Conference Chairman Archt. Migara Alwis and FIA(SL) Inauguration Chairman Archt. Damith Premathilaka 

-  Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe

Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) established in 1957 holds ‘A18 (ARCHITECT 2018)’ the pre-eminent and most popular trade exhibition in the country for the 36th consecutive time at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) from 22 to 25 February. The Members’ Work and Trade Exhibition will be opened to the general public from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. providing the ultimate experience with more than 290 trade stalls and 126 display including digital panels displaying architects’ work.

The Inauguration Ceremony of the Annual Sessions of 2018 will be held on 21 February, at 3:30 p.m. and will be graced by President Maithripala Sirisena as the Chief Guest. The Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Patali Champika Ranawaka (MP) will also be joining this occasion as the Guest of Honour. Members of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, members of other architectural institutions in the region, foreign guests, special invitees and students from architecture field will also be present at the inauguration ceremony. 

This year’s National Conference which will be held on 22 February under the theme ‘Architecture to Represent People and Place’, will be inaugurated by Minister of Housing and Construction Sajith Premadasa (MP) and State Minister of Finance Eran Wickramaratne (MP). 

SLIA has invited Ar. Prof. Li Xiaodong (China) as the keynote speaker. Speakers such as Ar. Serina Hijjas from Malaysia and Ar. Jin Koyama of Singapore will also share their expertise knowledge and their experiences in the practice of architecture along with locally renowned architects such as Archt. Channa Daswatta and Archt. Phillip Weeraratne.

National Conference promises to be an exciting conference, with relevance not only for architects but for anybody who has a fascination for Architecture, Design and the way our physical surroundings are made which impacts our lifestyles. The ceremonial opening of the Member’s Work and Trade Exhibition will be held soon after the National Conference. 

A’18 – a shift from the norm – is a virtual e-exhibition, enabling the perception and awareness of the public on the high quality, skills and capacity of the Sri Lankan Architects and the Building Industry. For the first time in Sri Lanka the trade and the architects are in one mutual electronic forum with their products and services easily accessible at this legendary Architects Exhibition that has evolved to its peak as SLIA celebrates the 60th Anniversary year. 

Visitors could explore, surf and locate services, materials and information of all products displayed via the internet and Mobile App. from the point of its conclusion.  

A’18 creates opportunities to introduce innovative new products, materials and services by suppliers. The effective use of these in projects by our own Members Work has further elevated the dynamic Digitally Projected Walkthroughs and solid miniature building models to experience a unique Architects Exhibition. A special live forum in the Centre-Hall B has been arranged for the Public to meet Chartered Architects and view their project presentations.

In order to make this giant exhibition a roaring success Alumex PLC has come on board as the Strategic Sponsor, holding on to the “top spot” for the last several years while Nippon Paint Lanka Ltd. has joined hands with SLIA as the “Principal Sponsor”. Naveen Ceramic Ltd will be the sponsor for the SLIA Members’ Event while Ranjanas Ceramic Ltd, joined as the Associate Sponsor. Creation Master Builders Ltd., NMI Infra Ltd. (Green Electricals) and Royal Ceramic Lanka PLC , Gismo Ltd., Idea Group Ltd. as the Event Sponsors for the Annual Session of SLIA 2018-2019. St. Anthony’s Industries Ltd. and Melwire Rolling Ltd., Arpico Ltd., LPA Lighting and Energy Solutions have joined with SLIA as Event Co-Sponsors. Exclusive Media Partner for A18 is Rupavahini.