RIBA Members Sri Lanka was initiated by Nela De Zoysa when she served as one of the 2 International Members on the RIBA Council, during her tenure from 2011 to 2017.
Anthony Clerici : Vice President Nations, Regions and Membership visited Sri Lanka in 2015 and was confident that Sri Lanka would be an ideal base for a Chapter, since both Schools of Architecture : The University of Moratuwa and the City School of Architecture were accredited by the RIBA.
Anthoni Clerici was introduced to the Council of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) by Nela De Zoysa and the President: Prof. Chitra Wedikkara, who had a global perspective, welcomed the prospect of forming the Chapter.
With Nela’s constant visits to London, she was able to swiftly get the Chapter off the ground with a Constitution, which was jointly worked on by the RIBA and the Sri Lankan Chapter.
The SLIA closely examined the Constitution, in order that it would not conflict with that of the SLIA. They suggested the name “RIBA Members Sri Lanka”. The word Sri Lanka needed to have Authority from the Ministry of Commerce, which Nela was able to secure.
On 3 August 2017, President Jane Duncan Inaugurated RIBA Members Sri Lanka at Westminster House : Residence of the British High Commissioner : His Excellency James Dauris in Colombo 07.
In February 2018, RIBA Members Sri Lanka was officially Registered as an Organization under the name of “RIBA Members Sri Lanka”.
Since then, the Committee of RIBA Members Sri Lanka has been active and exuberant, organizing many Presentations from International Architects, such as Brinda Somaya, Sunand Prasad, Sterling Prize Winner : Steven Hodder, Adrian Dobson and Richard Brindley.
The Highlight thus far has been the Panel Discussion after the Presentation on “The Grenfell Tower Fire Disaster, its Immediate Impact & Long term Implications for the UK and Internationally” by Adrian Dobson : RIBA Executive Director Professional Services, where it was recognized that such a devastation would not have occurred in Sri Lanka due to the Regulations in effect. The Panel Discussion took place with the Fire Chief and other Prominent Professionals in the Industry.
It is encouraging to note that the Membership has grown since 2015 by 100% and the Student Membership has increased 800%
