Colombo Forum 2026 in July to focus on tall building survival amid global instability

Tuesday, 26 May 2026 07:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Council on Vertical Urbanism Sri Lanka Chapter will host the Colombo Forum 2026 under the timely theme “Design to Survive: Tall Buildings in an Age of Global Instability” on 24 July 2026 at the Jasmine Hall, BMICH, Colombo, bringing together leading local and international experts in structural engineering, urban resilience, protective design, facades, and future-ready city planning.

As cities across the world face increasing uncertainty from climate change, security threats, infrastructure vulnerability, rapid urbanisation, and technological disruption, the forum will provide a timely platform to discuss how tall buildings and urban environments can be designed to remain safe, resilient, adaptable, and sustainable. The event is expected to attract professionals from the engineering, architecture, construction, development, academic, and policy-making sectors.

The forum will be graced by International Association of Protective Structures President Prof. Mark G. Stewart, as Chief Guest. He will also deliver a keynote address titled “Security by Design: Risk-Based Blast Protection of Buildings,” focusing on the importance of integrating safety and security considerations into building design from the earliest stages.

The event will also feature distinguished keynote speakers including Prof. Priyan Mendis from the University of Melbourne, who will speak on “Resilient Cities,”University of New South Wales A/Prof. Damith Mohotti, who will address “Emerging threats to critical infrastructure”, iStructE President Prof. Brian Uy and APAC Building Envelope Practice Leader and Principal Simon Barnes, who will share insights on resilient façade systems.

The program will commence with the arrival of guests, ceremonial lighting of the oil lamp, and the National Anthem, followed by a welcome address by Vertical Urbanism Sri Lanka Chapter Council Chair Eng. Shiromal Fernando, and the Vice Chair Archt. Nirodha Gunadasa, , will introduce the forum, while the Secretary Eng. Yasas Gunawardhana, will deliver a special address on “Designing for the Unknown: AI as the New Safety Factor.”

The forum is supported by leading industry sponsors and contributors, reflecting the growing importance of collaboration between professional bodies, academia, consultants, developers, manufacturers, and contractors in shaping safer urban futures.

Industry professionals, academics, students, policymakers, developers, and all those interested in the future of tall buildings and resilient cities are warmly invited to attend this important knowledge-sharing forum. The event will conclude with a vote of thanks, token presentations, and refreshments, offering participants an opportunity to network with experts and industry leaders.

Registration is now open. Interested participants are encouraged to register early and be part of this important conversation on designing buildings and cities to survive, adapt, and thrive.