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“We understand the challenges that investors and architects who work with them face. Despite the best efforts of the officials concerned, regulatory processes can be lengthy and confusing. Many of our agencies could be much more customer responsive and constructive. Greater competition could be encouraged on many fronts. These are issues we are actively seeking to address,” said Urban Development, Water Supply and Drainage Minister Rauff Hakeem addressing the ceremonial inauguration of the Annual Sessions at the BMICH which also saw the participation of Housing and Samurdhi Minister Sajith Premadasa and Tourism and Sports Minister Navin Dissanayake.

“I believe our role as government is to create an enabling environment for investors, entrepreneurs, architects and engineers to create a vibrant environment for all our people. We realise that professional engagement is vital in this process. Therefore, we have strived t o appoint highly-qualified and experienced professionals to our key institutions. We are confident that they will be able to bridge the gap between our state institutions and you, t he private sector, and together lay the foundation for the change that our nation seeks,” Minister Hakeem added.

This year’s National Conference is based on the theme ‘Conversation with the Sky’ and emphasize on exploring the architects’ role in the field of development as well as social enterprise.

Meanwhile, as a part of t he Annual Sessions, the Members’ Work and Trade Exhibition of the SLIA, better known as “Architect 2015” also got off to a colourful start yesterday.

Initiated in 1983, the Members’ Work and Trade Exhibition has grown from strength to strength annually resulting in a large participation that included professionals, students, businesses as well as the general public. This year the Exhibition is comprised of 304 stalls which will display products and services in the field of construction while another area is dedicated towards displaying the works of architects and students. Here visitors are able to access various products related to construction encompassing a wide range that allow them to compare items and services in terms of cost, quality, technology and much more in order to find the best that will suit their individual needs.

Furthermore , the 3xhibition also displays works of many architectural firms while students from the University of Moratuwa and the City School of Architecture exhibits their creations and coursework. Conforming to the overruling theme of ‘Architect 2015’, innovative designs take center stage presenting a view of of the fast changing and developing world of architecture.

The 3xhibition also i ncludes Information Centers run by the SLIA, the University of Moratuwa and the City School of Architecture where parents or prospective student are able to gain more information about pursuing architecture as a profession. Moreover, those who are in search of professional advice will also be directed to the proper places by the information centers.

The Architect 2015 is organized by t he SLIA together with t he support of their Strategic Sponsor Alumex (Pvt) Ltd, Principle Sponsor Orel Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, Associate sponsors Ranjanas Ceramic, True Value Products and Trade and Services Co. L.L.C The media sponsor is Derana Media Networks.