Geoffrey Bawa Trust expands Sri Lanka’s global design conversation

Saturday, 8 August 2026 03:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Geoffrey Bawa and Lunuganga Trusts Director of Curatorial Affairs Thilini Perera

Japanese Architect Junya Ishigami

LANKATILES collaborated with the Geoffrey Bawa Trust to support the 23rd Annual Geoffrey Bawa Memorial Lecture, held recently at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, reaffirming its commitment to Sri Lanka’s design community.

The lecture was delivered by Japanese architect junya.ishigami+associates Founder Junya Ishigami. Ishigami is recognised for challenging conventional ideas of architecture and exploring the relationship between built form, nature and human experience through his imaginative work.

The Memorial Lecture formed part of LANKATILES’ collaboration with the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, through which the company supports platforms where design can be experienced, discussed and celebrated. The partnership also extends to DesignTalk, another knowledge-sharing initiative held throughout the year.

LANKATILES PLC Managing Director Priyantha Talwatte said: “Design has always been central to the LANKATILES journey. Our collaboration with the Geoffrey Bawa Trust enables us to support spaces where architecture, creativity and new ideas come together. We are proud to contribute to platforms that celebrate design, inspire future generations and strengthen Sri Lanka’s architectural community.”

Design at LANKATILES extends beyond developing products and surface solutions. It means contributing to the wider creative ecosystem by enabling conversations, encouraging new ideas and connecting Sri Lankan audiences with global voices.

The Geoffrey Bawa Trust plays an important role in uplifting Sri Lanka’s architecture and design ecosystem through platforms for learning, dialogue and creative exchange. Through the Annual Memorial Lecture, DesignTalk and other programs, the Trust connects architects, designers, students and the public with leading ideas and practitioners, while encouraging collaboration and the continued development of Sri Lankan design.

Geoffrey Bawa and Lunuganga Trusts Chairperson Channa Daswatte said: “Our partnership with LANKATILES is important because the Geoffrey Bawa Memorial Lecture brings new ideas to Sri Lanka, inspiring people through global perspectives and continuing Geoffrey Bawa’s legacy of encouraging generations to think differently, explore creativity and shape the future.”

M+ in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District Museum Director and a Trustee of the Geoffrey Bawa and Lunuganga Trusts Suhanya Raffel said: “Without preserving our heritage, we do not know who we are. By looking to Geoffrey Bawa’s legacy, we draw lessons from the past to shape the future while protecting the earth for generations.”

Through this collaboration, LANKATILES is helping to sustain spaces that celebrate design and shape Sri Lankan architecture.