Multilac sponsors SLIA commemorative volume ‘The Architect 1957 – 2007’

Multilac recently sponsored the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) golden jubilee commemorative volume “The Architect 1957 – 2007.”
SLIA President Archt. Jayantha Perera presented the book to Multilac Managing Director Mizver Makeen.

Multilac sponsored the production of the book, which is a full size hardcover coffee table publication with many high quality matt laminated black and white and colour plates that showcase the architectural landmarks of Sri Lanka.

In his address at the presentation ceremony, Makeen stated, “Multilac believes in going beyond mere business goals, to provide substantial benefits to our stakeholders and the communities in which they function, by keenly involving ourselves in their needs and lifestyles. As a 100% Sri Lankan company, Multilac is committed to contributing to the growth and development of our nation. The synergies between our Sri Lanka architects and Multilac blend very well. Multilac was set up 25 years ago when the Sri Lankan market for paints was dominated by multinationals, but today this has changed and Miltilac has now won the confidence of our fellow Sri Lankans.” Makeen concluded by stating that he felt it was Multilac’s social responsibility to applaud the work of Sri Lankan architects.

SLIA heralded 50 years of professionalism in Sri Lanka on September 17 this year. Archt. Jayantha Perera, in his preface to the book, explained the purpose for which the book was produced, stressing that it is a must have volume for reputed architects, professionals in the industry and the general public, who is interested in this field. “This document should be read by all architects to understand how our forefathers strived to develop the Institute. Their selfless service, passion and grit will help future leaders of this Institute to take it to the next millennium, thus making my vision a reality.” Archt. Perera said that his vision for the Sri Lankan Architect is to go global, building on the reputation of legendary architect Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa.

SLIA Past President Archt. Lalith Silva a key force in the book’s publication, stressed the synergies between the two organisations involved, “It is interesting to note that SLIA was formed 50 years ago, in an era when foreign architects were preferred by builders and our local talent was not up to the mark due to the lack of professional education. Since then, SLIA has grown to be an organisation, which is today a self sufficient body, of service to the country, and also expanded its talents worldwide.”

SLIA Documentation Committee Chairperson Archt. Nela de Zoysa, in her foreword to the book reiterated that, “It is important to document the beginnings of its creation and to understand and appreciate the spirit, dedication, motivation and the selflessness of our ‘forefathers’ who struggled hard to build the very edifice of the Institute.”

The book was authored by Archt. Veeranjan Kurukulasuriya, whose main source of information was the minutes of SLIA meetings, a task that was both arduous and time consuming, but, judging from the end-product, was well worth the effort.