The Hindu : National : Architectural design competition for cultural centre in Jaffna

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 17, 2011
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

National

National

Architectural design competition for cultural centre in Jaffna

R.K. Radhakrishnan

Part of steps to restore cultural infrastructure
National centre for performing arts constructed

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan and Indian architects will have an opportunity to showcase their talent in a design competition for a cultural centre in Jaffna. The only catch for Indian architects, however, is that the lead consultant will have to be Sri Lankan.

“We want to encourage partnerships between architects of both countries,” an Indian High Commission spokesperson said, when asked why India insisted on a joint venture for Indian architects to participate in the contest.

“In order to take this project forward, the High Commission of India, in partnership with the Sri Lankan Institute of Architects (SLIA), has announced a national design competition for the cultural centre, which is open to all the corporate and registered members of architectural practices recognised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and to Indian architectural practices recognised by the Council of Architects, India. They will be working in collaboration with a Sri Lankan Architectural Practice registered with the SLIA, with the Sri Lankan consultant as the lead consultant,” a release from the Indian High Commission here said.

The cultural centre construction is part of steps to restore cultural infrastructure and promote normality in the war-ravaged northern Sri Lanka.

Rajapaksa visit

In June 2010, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited New Delhi, India agreed to extend assistance in constructing a cultural centre in Jaffna. More information about the design competition can be seen on the website of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (www.slia.lk) or of the High Commission of India (www.hcicolombo.org)

With China's assistance, Sri Lanka has completed constructing a national centre for performing arts here and the 14,000 sq. metre structure is awaiting inauguration.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail