Preserving Colombo’s heritage amidst a changing skyline
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Ever get the sense that the city of your childhood has changed beyond recognition? That building you knew and loved that just one day vanished into a pile of bricks? But that no one ever asked you if you wanted another faceless glass office?
How can you shape change to make sure that what matters is preserved? How can the city make the most of what is valuable? What can be done both to better plan the future of the city and to make sure that its inhabitants have their say?
On December 13, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will declare open Living Heritage, a seminar to promote the value of the heritage of the city of Colombo. The two-day forum is presented by the European Union, together with the Embassies of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Federal Republic of Germany and the British Council, that are working with Sri Lankan activists and architects to raise awareness of this issue.
Internationally renowned experts from Europe and neighbouring countries will share their experiences of how best to promote heritage conservation, involve authorities, local businesses and communities in city planning, and maximise the value of Colombo’s many traditions to attract tourists and investment.
Speakers will include the celebrated Indian architect, Abha Narain Lambah, Burmese architect Chaw Kalyar, European international heritage experts, Paul Meurs, Karl Damschen and Guillaume Josse. Sri Lankan architects Anjalendran, Channa Daswatte and Thisara Thanapathy, will showcase some of the most engaging heritage from the country.
Full details of the programme for the main conference and the special guided workshops and visits are available at https://www.facebook.com/LivingHeritageSriLanka/
Places are limited. Those interested could register at livingheritage2017@gmail.com