Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) marks its first annual sessions after celebrating its golden jubilee last year and the Architect 2008 is to be held on February 20, at the BMICH with Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, Prime Minister as the Chief Guest.

A Press Briefing was held to announce the Exhibition - Architect 2008 and the Annual Architect Conference which will be held simultaneously with the Exhibition.

Architect 2008 Exhibition will be a mega exposition of Architects’ work and trade and will be held from 20 - 24 February covering the BMICH, Sirimavo Banraranaike convention Centre. There will be a total of 411 stalls taken up by 260 organizations, showcasing the latest variety of both local and imported building materials such as water proofing, supply of steel, materials for doors and windows, roofing materials, tiles, electrical items and solar equipment. Among these stall there will be 11 foreign companies engaged in the trade of building materials and in the manufacturing industry.

The significant features at this Exhibition are this year are the inauguration of the Exhibition on 22nd by the Media and the honouring with awarding a gold medal to Surath Wickramasinghe, past president of SLIA and the founding President, Construction Industry Chamber.

Jayantha Perera, President, SLIA said that during the tenure of Surath Wickramasinghe as the President, SLIA in 1983 this event was started and for the last 25 year they have been holding it consecutively. He said that SLIA is one of the foremost professional organizations, not only in Sri Lanka, but in whole of Asian Region.

The Institution has been working on the professional practices of architecture in the country as well as education, which have been the primary focus of the SLIA over the years. During this time there has lot of improvements been taken place in the profession and has played a dominant role of developing architecture and raising standards of the construction industry in the country.

Another highlight of the session on "Architect the Initiator" will be the National Conference of Architecture which is to be held on 21st February where a host of presentations will be made by eminent professionals in the field of architecture. Emphasis would be made on the cultural and environmental responsibility of the architect

The Exhibition will be a mega exposition of architects’ work and trade. A total of 411 stalls – taken up by 260 organizations will be on display, showcasing the latest variety of both local and imported building materials such as water proofing, supply of steel, materials for doors and windows, roofing material, etc. There will also be 11 foreign participants