Following the highly successful events of CTBUH Sri Lanka over the past few years, the milestone event  ‘CTBUH Colombo Forum 2022’ was held on 15th of December 2022, organized by CTBUH Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is currently faced with one of the worst economic crises in its history. The construction industry in particular has taken a major hit, which has motivativated CTBUH Sri Lanka to use this opportunity to guide local professionals to navigate this difficult time while continuing to empower them to strive towards achieving Net Zero tall buildings. The forum successfully gathered many prominent tall building professionals in Sri Lanka, including structural engineers, building services engineers, architects, academics, researchers, developers, builders, specialist material suppliers, as well as some young prospective future tall building leaders. The audience included over 50 in-person participants as well as live stream attendees.

The forum was initiated with a welcome by Arch. Nirodha Gunadasa, the Vice President of CTBUH Sri Lanka. The first address of the forum was by the honourable chief guest Archt. Jayantha Perera, The President of the Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka. During his address, he discussed “Industry and The Crisis”, especially the risks and realities in the Sri Lankan context. In addition to this, he also shared some insights on the opportunities which could be grasped as a result of this crisis, and on how to evolve to overcome the risks faced. 

The first keynote address on “Managing Project Risk in a Critical Economic Environment” was delivered by Dr. Paulo Vaz-Serra, a senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne. He further explained the importance, identification and analysis of risks to evaluate and manage the risks. Prof. Priyan Mendis delivered the second key-note address on “Global Trends Towards Net Zero Tall Buildings”. During his address he also highlighted the importance of encouraging modular construction concepts for a circular economy. He shared many instances where the concept of net zero carbon is currently being practised in the world, especially in the construction industry, and the overall benefit that can be received from such practices.

Then the event was then followed by a presentation by Eng. Shiromal Fernando, CTBUH Country Representative, along with the launching of the “Tall Building Guidelines. The note of thanks was delivered by Eng. Bishar Haadi trailed by the distribution of tokens of appreciation was handed over to the honourable chief guest Arch. Jayantha Perera and keynote speaker Dr. Paulo Vaz-Serra by Archt. Nirodha Gunadasa and Mr. Ruwan de Silva, Treasurer of CTBUH Sri Lanka.