The City School of Architecture (Colombo) Ltd (CSA) has planned a series of initiatives to commemorate its 30 years of excellence in Architectural Education in Sri Lanka. CSA is organizing an Open Day Exhibition on 05 and 06 November 2016, which is open to the public. It will also issue a special 30th Year Magazine Publication during the month of November. CSA, which has entered a strategic partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK is the only Private Architectural Education Provider in Sri Lanka recognized locally by Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA), and internationally, by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), London.

Archt. Jayantha Perera, FIA (SL), a Director and also the Founder/Chairman of the City School of Architecture (Colombo) Ltd. addressing the press conference on behalf of the Board of Directors commented saying “The City School of Architecture (formerly known as the Colombo School of Architecture) was initially started as a lecture series by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) in 1986 providing opportunities to young talented individuals to study Architecture as an alternate route to state University admission. Both Part I and Part II courses were conducted with a unique concept of ‘learning while you work’ requiring the students to gain practical training under Chartered Architects while studying at CSA. Over the past 30 years the CSA had passed several mile stones in achieving high standards”. At the event he expressed his gratitude to all past Heads of School including the present Head, all past and present members of the academic staff and also to the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) for their untiring effort and support. In his concluding remarks he emphasized that the final goal of the CSA would be to transform this institution to one of the best schools of Architecture in the south-Asian region.

Emeritus Prof. Archt. Lal Balasuriya FIA (SL) - Head of School, City School of Architecture said, “We are proud to celebrate CSA’s 30th anniversary whilst looking back on a glorious legacy. CSA has attracted some of the brightest talent in Sri Lanka which it has developed further and equipped with specialist architectural education. Today, we count some eminent Architects amongst our alumni. Another reason for the popularity of CSA courses amongst students in Sri Lanka wishing to study Architecture is because it awards Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) (UWE) and Master of Architecture and Environmental Design (UWE) degrees from 2012 for Part I & II in partnership with University of the West of England, Bristol UK. The students even have the option of attending the graduation ceremony at UWE Bristol, UK. Our internationally recognized degrees empower our students to chart successful careers locally and globally.”

The popular Architecture school offers two courses of study leading to professional qualifications. Part I, a three-year full-time course leads to the CSA Diploma in Architectural Studies and gives the option of a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) degree from the University of West of England (UWE) UK. Further, the three-year Part II course has a part-time work and study component built into it and leads to the CSA Higher Diploma in Architecture with the option of a Master of Architecture and Environmental Design Degree from the UWE, UK. CSA has been validated by the RIBA with “Candidate Course” Status for its Parts I & II Courses in July 2009 and full accreditation was awarded in Jan 2011, and was re-accredited in March 2016 for the next five Years. The CSA also offers a great work-study balance by holding talent shows and other cultural events which stimulate creativity amongst students.

Archt. Asoka Widanapathirana FIA (SL) - Chief Executive Officer/Director, City School of Architecture stated, “CSA provides an unparalleled student experience during the course of study. The practical and modern syllabi encompass all the required skills and knowledge base for a successful career in the field of Architecture. Apart from benefitting from the professionally qualified and world-class teaching faculty at CSA, students are encouraged to embark on study tours in overseas locations and workshops are held on the local campus with foreign students as well, to enable the free flow of ideas and concepts”. Referring to the future trends, he added that the CSA has been a dynamically evolving organization and has ambitious plans to transform the field of Architectural education even further preferably in the fields of post-graduate study programmes related to Architectural profession.

The CSA is steered by an eminent Board of Directors led by Chairman Archt. Harsha Fernando, FIA (SL), supported by Board Members Archt. Mihindu Keerthiratne, FIA (SL); Archt. Jayantha Perera, FIA (SL); Archt. Prasanna Silva, FIA (SL); Archt. Chandana Ellepola FIA (SL); Archt. Asoka Widanapathirana, FIA (SL) and Archt. Rajiv Senanayake FIA (SL).

The academic administration of the school runs it affairs independently under the auspices of the Management that firmly believes that the quality & standards of education should not be compromised by the maximization of profits of the company. The school has now established itself in the education arena with a reputation that attracts talented persons and the school firmly rests on financially stable ground so that the profit factor never enters into academic activities.