What we build today must last for generations

By Gotabaya Rajapaksa

The theme adopted for 31st National Conference organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects Architecture Envisioning Futures, is a timely one that will no doubt encourage considerable deliberation among members of the profession. Architects have an important role to play in development as the nation moves swiftly to a prosperous future built on a platform of unparalleled peace, security and stability.

When Mahinda Rajapaksa was first elected President of Sri Lanka in 2005, he had a very clear vision to end the three decades of terrorism and bring peace to the nation. This vision was outlined in his primary election manifesto, the Mahinda Chinthana document. Within his first three and a half years in office, that vision was achieved.

The President's vision for his second term of office, as outlined in the Mahinda Chinthana Idiri Dekma document, is to strengthen peace and fast track economic development. This vision centres on transforming Sri Lanka into a dynamic global hub that will make full use of the country's unique strategic position and its educated and productive work force. It envisions that Sri Lanka will become a naval, aviation, commercial, energy and knowledge hub in the future.

One of the foremost requirements in facilitating this transformation is creating an overall environment that is people friendly. Such an environment will greatly uplift the living standards of the people, whilst also encouraging high net worth investors, entrepreneurs, and high calibre professionals to live and work in Sri Lanka.

Such people expect to maintain a high quality of life for themselves and their families. They, therefore, need a social and physical environment that is of a considerably high standard. Maintaining such an environment will also help attract Foreign Direct Investments and sustain local investments that will further develop Sri Lanka's industries and businesses. With all this in mind, the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development and its line agencies, together with the provincial and municipal authorities, has undertaken many programs throughout Sri Lanka to uplift the quality of its metropolitan areas.

The focus is on developing clean, green, people friendly cities and towns that will foster an efficient working environment and a relaxed living environment.

Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa being introduced to office-bearers of the SLIA

Because of the need to have a vibrant commercial capital, the Government has focused much effort on the development of Colombo and the greater metro Colombo area. There were many issues that the city faced due to its organic and rather unplanned growth over the years. There were also many long needed infrastructure improvements that had to be made. These included:

Flood control and improvement of drainage infrastructure Providing proper housing for low income, underserved settlements Improving the road network and improving pavements for pedestrians Developing parks and more public open spaces for people to use and enjoy Restoring old heritage buildings to bring out the architectural heritage of the city, and Enhancing public facilities such as toilets, bus halts and markets.

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What we build today must last for generations