Architecture as an art AIA International Conference 2025 lights up Colombo

Delegates from across the world praised the professionalism displayed at the conference and the thoughtful curation combined with the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality

One of the guests of Honour at the inauguration was Mayor of Colombo Vrai Cally Balthazaar (centre)

Former President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prof. Maithree Wickremesinghe were Guests of Honour at the inauguration ceremony 

• The three-day event which was held under the theme “The Art within Architecture”
• The AIA International Conference brings together some of the world’s foremost architectural thinkers

International Country Representative Nela De Zoysa

Colombo became the focal point of the global architectural world earlier this month as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) International Conference 2025, Sri Lanka was held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel from October 9-11. 
Approximately 180 plus international and national delegates attended the three-day event which was held under the theme “The Art within Architecture”. The event celebrated creativity, innovation and design excellence.
“This was an exceptional Conference,” said AIA International President Yew Kee Cheong, while commending Sri Lanka’s seamless organization and gracious hospitality.
It was a proud moment for Sri Lanka, which won the bid to host the prestigious event – a first for the island nation. Since its inception in Kyoto 2015, the AIA International Conference has been hosted in
Toronto, Prague, Singapore, Shanghai, Dubai, London, Mexico, and Hong Kong, bringing together some of the world’s foremost architectural thinkers.
The year’s conference featured a stellar line-up of speakers, with keynote presentations by Moshe Safdie (USA), Massimiliano Fuksas (Italy) and Simon Yu (Hong Kong) of the Zaha Hadid Architects, all captivating the audience with their insight and vision.
Other distinguished speakers included Elizabeth Chu Richter and David Richter (USA), Billie Tsien (USA), Dato Dr. Ken Yeang (Malaysia), Brinda Somaya (India), Nadia Tromp (South Africa), Neil Leach (USA), Rafiq Azam (Bangladesh), Adrianta Aziz (Malaysia) and Fawad Abbasi (Pakistan).
Representing Sri Lanka were Channa Daswatte, Russell Dandeniya, Philip Weeraratne, Murad Ismail, Shayan Kumaradas, and Palinda Kannangara, each adding a local dimension to the global discourse.
Conference sessions were held each morning followed by bespoke architectural tours curated by AIA International Country Representative Nela de Zoysa; the tours showcasing Sri Lanka’s architectural heritage and contemporary design.
The AIA International Design Awards recognised 18 winners from around the world, with 7 attending in person to receive their award.
The event concluded with a spectacular black-tie ‘Kadamandiya’ banquet, a creative take on a traditional Sri Lankan village market. Delegates were enthralled by the vibrant cultural display and array of local delicacies – a fitting finale to a memorable gathering.
Guests of Honour at the inauguration were Mayor of Colombo Vrai Cally Balthazaar and former President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was joined by Prof. Maithree Wickremesinghe, Italian Ambassador H. E. Damiano Francovigh and British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick.
Also in attendance were AIA National President Evelyn Lee (USA) and several AIA International leaders, including President Elect Segene Park, Stephanie Kinnick, Jason Holland, Genie Khmelnitski, Dr Christine Bruckner and Scott Gold.
The event was hosted by AIA International Country Representative Nela de Zoysa, Hon. FAIA, who chaired the Organizing Committee, supported by Roshun Meezan (Deputy Chair), Nandaka Jayasinghe
(Secretary) and Jayomi Yatawara (Treasurer). Committee Members included Suzette Whehella, Lal Abeyratne, Sudarshan Senadeera, Michele Fonseka, Priya Mapitigama, Pavithra Subasinghe, Shashikala Ranasinghe, and Nadun Senadeera.
Delegates from across the world praised the professionalism displayed at the conference and the thoughtful curation combined with the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality.