Sri Lanka Institute of Landscape Architect (SLILA) was established on the 24th July 2009 under the act no.33 of 2009 which was published in the gazette notification of 12th June 2009. The ceremonial inauguration was held under the patronage of Hon.Dinesh Gunawardena (Minister of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development) who was instrumental in establishing SLILA, on 13th August 2009 at Diyawanna Lake, Waters Edge, Battaramulla amidst a distinguish gathering of professionals and well-wishers.
The main objective of the institute as embodied in the act, are
(a) To develop the profession of landscape architecture in Sri Lanka to internationally accepted standards.
(b) To provide leadership and guidance to the profession to fulfill the much desired need of a professional in the field of sustainable development in the country.
At present only the University of Moratuwa conducts a postgraduate course in landscape architecture on par with the accredited courses in other countries and the board is making final arrangements for the undergraduate course to be conducted at the same venue.
Pictures by courtesy of Chinthaka Jayakody of the Environment and Landscape Division of the Urban Development Authority
The SLILA Founding Members include
President – Hester Basnayaka (former director,environment and landscape,urban development authority /UDA), Vice President – Priyanka Ranathunga (board of investment), President Elect – Shirani Balasooriya (course director – landscape studies,university of Moratuwa), Secretary – Shereen Amendra (sun consultants). Assistant Secretary – Chandana Kalupahana (UDA ), Treasurer – D.Hettiarachchi (deputy director,environmrnt and landscape,UDA)Assistant Secretary – Radha de silva (former director – UDA) Council members, K.A.D Chandradasa (director-UDA ) Susira Udalamatta(University of Moratuwa),Sanka Wimaladharma,Wasana Dhrmadasa (UDA).
Guest Article by
Sanka Wimaladharma
Landscape Architect,
(Founder Member SLILA)
Visiting Lecturer, Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya.
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World Landscape Architect thanks Sanka Wimaladharma for taking the time to write and submit this article.
Thank you Tony and Ayan for for your valuable gestures !
Ayan you have not told us from where you are.
We are planning some events in Colombo in the near future. We would like to invite people who are interested in the subject.
So please write to me(sankauw@slt.lk/sankauw@gmail.com)
Regards,
Sanka.
This is so great. Hope to see some solid proposals for landscaping in Sri Lanka. Public parks with bicycle tracks, camping areas, picnic spots are lacking…….where people, families or groups of friends could gather for some quality time together….. Utilization of Water bodies is a must….Water edges should be developed for people to enjoy. Is there any possibility that we could have turf without leaches? Even though many countries try to reduce turf to save water I don’t think it is problem for Sri Lankan, unless of cause too much rain is destroying turf! Anyway turf brings beauty and green and relaxation. Another thing is road edges. Roads are being built without thinking how to finish and detail the edges…which eventually gets washed away and cracked……making vehicles go half on the road and half in mud!….Road edges, curbs and pavements, tree covers to reduce urban heat island should be thought about. Speaking of landscaping…..I think sustainability is a must. Introduction of recycling garbage bins everywhere could be the first step……and train the public to dispose garbage in relevant bins. Strict laws should be imposed….like a good fine for throwing garbage on the street! Roundabouts….should be designed in a better way….. I remember one roundabout with a pond which nobody can see or access……..it is a totally useless pond that stinks!
Congratulations, Geoffrey Bawa would be ever so proud. Well done and all the best, from China, Regards, Tony Johnson