The 13th Annual Research Symposium 2023 themed Building Resilience: 40 Years in Retrospect, organized by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), was successfully held on 29th February 2024 at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo. This significant event witnessed the participation of public and private sector institutions, academia, professional bodies, international and regional partner agencies, and individual eminent experts in similar disciplines.

Inaugural Session:

- The event commenced with Hon. Kanaka Herath, the State Minister of Technology, serving as the chief guest

- Eng. (Dr.) Asiri Karunawardene, Director General of NBRO, delivered the welcome address

- Mr. Yamada Tetsuya, the Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office, addressed the audience

- Mr. Dennis Mombauer, Director of Research & Knowledge Management at SLYCAN Trust Global, delivered the keynote address

- Special launchings related to the symposium, including the symposium proceedings, took place during the session

Panel Discussion:

- The symposium began with a panel discussion on “Resilience in the Built Environment: Strategic Interventions,” moderated by Prof. Chintha Jayasinghe

- The discussion covered five sub-themes, with contributions from esteemed experts

1. Dr. Ananda Mallawatantri on Built Environment Adaptation to Minimize Impacts of Climate Change

2. Mr. Sakurazawa Takafumi on Minimizing the Risk of Geo-Hazards in Japan

3. Archt. Ananda Samarasinghe on Climate-Responsive and Affordable Designing

4. Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake on Transforming to Resilient Construction Practices

5. Dr. Gamini Jayathissa on Creating Landslide Resilience in the Built Environment

Technical Sessions:

The day featured four technical sessions related to the main theme, with a total of nineteen research presentations.

1. TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS FOR LANDSLIDE RISK MANAGEMENT chaired by Prof. Udeni Nawagamuwa

2. INNOVATIONS IN RESILIENCE BUILDINGS chaired by Prof. S.M.A. Nanayakkara

3. EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES FOR RESILIENT SETTLEMENTS chaired by Plnr. (Dr.) C. Abenayake

4. SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING chaired by Mrs. Sardhanee Dias, Environmental Consultant/Former Director, NBRO

NBRO extends heartfelt gratitude to all parties, including invitees, researchers, academics, funding agencies, and participants, for their contributions towards the success of the event.