Vidya Jothi Emeritus Professor Lakshman Alwis

Vidya Jothi Emeritus Professor Lakshman Alwis (more popularly known as Laki), has been my close friend from the time we joined the SLIA (Sri Lanka Institute of Architects) in 1970. We also set up our own respective Architectural Offices about the same time and both are among the leading firms of Architects in the Country. We often exchanged views and ideas connected to professional practice issues of mutual interest. In addition, our two families mix socially.

In 1982, we were in the same Council and same committee tasked to organize the SLIA’s 25th Silver Jubilee Celebrations held at the BMICH. Laki was responsible for the First Members Work Exhibition in the triple height entrance lobby of the BMICH. Within this space, it was a difficult task to install tall scaffolding to mount the Architectural Panels from the different Architects Offices. I recall, President J R Jayewardene who was the Chief Guest at the event spending a considerable amount of time in the Exhibition area. Laki and his team did an excellent job and for several years the same concept was used by SLIA at their Annual Exhibition of Members Work.

After our respective tenures in office as President – SLIA, we moved to the Architects Regional Council, Asia – ARCASIA. He was in the ARCASIA Council representing the SLIA and in 1995-1996, Laki was elected Chairman – Architects Council for Architectural Education – ACAE in Jakarta, Indonesia. In 1997, he was appointed Convener of ARCASIA Awards, at the Forum held in Tokyo and in 1998, he was the Convener of the 8th Asian Congress of Architects (ACA -8) held in Sri Lanka. We visited several Asian Countries for ARCASIA events and had a great time interacting with other Architects in the Region. Laki was always accompanied by his wife – Lalani and their “Baila Dance” during the “Fellowship Night”, was a treat to watch. I recall an incident when he lost his passport pouch, in Bangladesh. Fortunately, after some panic, he and Lalani managed to get temporary passports to reach home.

Laki was a respected Teacher and his writings on “British Period Architecture in Sri Lanka” is well known among the profession. Many of his students are leading Architects in the country today. On the Academic side, he reached the position of Professor of Architecture in 1991 and in the same year, he was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Architecture. He retired from the University of Moratuwa in 2004, and the University conferred the title “Professor Emeritus” in appreciation of his service to the academia.

When Laki fell ill, I connected with him a few times and thereafter, I kept checking about his health from Lalani, Upeka and his son- Migara. Laki’s loss will leave a huge space in the family, Architectural community in Sri Lanka and also in ARCASIA countries.May his soul rest in eternal peace.