Several important personalities of the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) were also present at the occasion as the 19^th CAA General Assembly was held concurrently with the SLIA Annual Sessions this year. The theme of the sessions this year was ‘ Architecture:Rethinking Sustainability’ which is a global current concern. Sitting at the head table together with the executive committee of the SLIA were the chief Guest Prime Minister, Hon. Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, Guest of honour the Minister of Housing and Common Amenities, Hon. Mrs. Ferial Ashraff, key note speaker Archt. Gordon Chong and Incoming President of CAA Archt. Mubasshar Hussein, President UIA Archt. Louise Cox,   and outgoing President of CAA Prof. Gordon Holden. Offsetting the impressive head table was an elegant back drop of bamboo screens of varying heights, subtly back lit and in keeping with the theme.  

The president of the SLIA Archt. Chandana Edirisooriya gave the welcome speech which was followed by a speech by the Chief Guest, The Prime Minister, Hon. Ratnasiri Wickramanayake.The Keynote speech was delivered by an eminent figure of the   international architectural fraternity, Archt. Gordon Chong form USA. The highlight of his one hour long presentation was the making of the California Academy of Science, a project he worked together with Pritzer prize award winner, Archt. Renzo Piano. Among the important proceedings of the afternoon was the presenting of scrolls for the new members who have entered the profession.  

The following awards – Design and Colour awards were presented in recognition of the creativity and effort on the work carried out by the professionals of the local architectural fraternity during the year. Creative young talent was also appreciated through the “Young architect of the year’ award and the Product award were presented with the aim of encouraging local industries. Moreover, in context of the exhibition, awards were presented for the Best Stalls Display as well as the Best Design Panels Display. The latter category was selected from the Architects who displayed their work. 

Further several veteran figures of the local architectural industry were conferred with special honours. Archt. Lalith Devendra De Silva was awarded the Honorary Fellowship of SLIA; Prof. Nimal De Silva was presented a special award in recognition of the services he has rendered in the field of architectural education, and Archt. Valentine Gunasekera was awarded the Honorary Membership of SLIA for his contribution towards the field in both professional and educational scopes. 

The occasion came to close with the performance of several vibrant entertainment items, which highlighted  the cultural aspects of Sri Lanka.