The Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) successfully held ARCHITECT 2026 – Architects’ Work & Trade Exhibition, in conjunction with its 44th Annual Sessions, from 19th to 22nd February 2026 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The event commenced with a Grand Inauguration Ceremony on 19th February 2026 at 2:30 PM at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Colombo 07.
Bringing together architects, investors, construction professionals, academics, students, and the general public, ARCHITECT 2026 served as a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, professional networking, innovation, and industry growth.
Grand Inauguration & Awards Ceremony
The Inauguration Ceremony featured the induction of newly elected Chartered Architects for 2025, alongside the presentation of the prestigious:
- SLIA Design Awards
- SLIA Color Awards
- SLIA Research Awards
- SLIA Product Awards
These accolades recognized excellence, innovation, and contribution to the architectural profession.
Architects’ Work & Trade Exhibition
Held under the theme:
“ARCHITECT IN TIME: TRANSFORM – TRANSCEND – THRIVE
Visionaries in Rebuilding the Built Environment”,
the Architects’ Work & Trade Exhibition showcased architectural thought, creativity, and industry innovation.
The ceremonial opening took place on 19th February 2026 at 7:00 PM at BMICH, and the exhibition ran from 20th to 22nd February 2026, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. With over 200 trade stalls, the exhibition featured:
- Cutting-edge building materials and construction technologies
- Furniture, interior accessories, and landscaping innovations
- Locally manufactured and imported products
- Architectural works and creative displays
- Professional Advisory Clinics
- Food and entertainment
Special Features
- Architects’ Discussion Forum: Interactive and educational sessions on contemporary architecture and design.
- Student Exhibition: Showcased student work from University of Moratuwa (UOM), City School of Architecture (CSA), Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), and General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University (KDU).
- SLIA Publications: Available for purchase, including The Architect and Vastu.
- Architects’ Help Desk: A dedicated panel of architects provided professional guidance and consultations.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting was held on 21st February 2026 at 10:00 AM at BMICH.
National Conference of the SLIA
The National Conference, framed under the theme “ARCHITECT IN TIME: TRANSFORM – TRANSCEND – THRIVE – Visionaries in Rebuilding the Built Environment,” reflected the evolving role of architects and their critical responsibility in Sri Lanka’s national development. The conference provided a platform for reflection and meaningful dialogue, bringing together practitioners, academics, policymakers, and industry partners to:
- Exchange ideas
- Challenge conventions
- Explore future directions for the built environment
The conference examined how architecture can respond to national priorities, contribute to sustainable development, and help create a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready Sri Lanka. The event highlighted the collective effort and professional unity made possible by the SLIA, organizing committees, sponsors, partners, speakers, and contributors.
Sponsors & Partners
The success of ARCHITECT 2026 was made possible through the generous support of:
- Principal Sponsor – Rhino Roofing Products Limited
- Associate Sponsor – Alumex PLC
- Event Sponsor – Swisstek Aluminum Ltd
- Event Sponsor – Three Singha Industries (Pvt) Ltd
- Event Sponsor – Acero Building Systems
- Event Sponsor – Lanka Tiles PLC
- Roofing Partner – Colorup Products (Pvt) Ltd
- Cement Partner – Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) PLC
- Ceiling Partner – Idea Group Limited
- Kitchen Design & Cabinetry Partner – Direct Kitchens (Pvt) Ltd
- Healthcare Partner – The Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC
- Banking Partner – Sampath Bank PLC
- Construction Partner – Nawaloka
- Cladding Partner – L H Consortium
ARCHITECT 2026 concluded as an inspiring celebration of architecture, innovation, and excellence.
