Empowering Development through Dialogue: RICS Sri Lanka to Host Landmark Industry Forum on Built Environment

In a bold move to drive forward Sri Lanka’s sustainable development agenda, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Sri Lanka will host the RICS Industry Dialogue & Networking Forum 2025on 11th July 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Waters Edge Hotel, Battaramulla.

Under the theme “Empowering Development through Dialogue – Aligning National Vision with Built Environment Priorities,” this high-level event is set to bring together influential policymakers, leading professionals, academics, developers, and financiers to chart a transformative course for Sri Lanka’s built environment sector.

At a time when the country seeks to recover from recent crises and steer toward long-term socio-economic progress, the built environment—comprising planning, real estate, construction, and infrastructure—plays a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.

The Forum will feature an esteemed panel of speakers including:

• Prof. Jagath Munasinghe, Head of Town Planning, University of Moratuwa (Keynote Speaker)
• Hon. Aruna Karunathilake MP, Minister of Urban Development
• Hon. Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition
• Hon. Dilith Jayaweera, Member of Parliament
• Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Former Minister of Urban Development
• Mr. Dananath Fernando, CEO of Advocata (Moderator)

The forum’s agenda covers five key focus areas critical to unlocking sector-wide transformation: urban development policy reform, affordable housing and land use, sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience, investment facilitation through PPPs, and the integration of professional standards in national planning.

“This Forum is not just a dialogue, but a call to action,” said Dr. D. Prathapasinghe FRICS, Chairman of RICS Sri Lanka. “We aim to build a cross-sector coalition committed to advancing professional expertise, regulatory reform, and investment in our national development priorities.”

In addition to panel discussions and audience engagement, the event will culminate in a networking and cocktail session to foster collaboration and partnerships. A post-event policy paper with actionable recommendations will be submitted to relevant government bodies to inform future reforms.

The event also proposes the establishment of a Built Environment Think Tank—a multi-stakeholder advisory body to support strategic planning, risk-informed investment, and adaptive policy design.

Organised by the RICS Sri Lanka Marketing and Event Committee, chaired by Tharaka Weragoda FRICS, the Forum promises to be a landmark event shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s built environment.