1. Recognizing the need for restoring cultural infrastructure and promoting normalcy in northern Sri Lanka, India and Sri Lanka agreed in the Joint Declaration issued during the State Visit of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka to India in June 2010 that India would extend assistance in constructing a Cultural Centre in Jaffna.

2. In order to take this project forward, The High Commission of India in partnership with the Sri Lankan Institute of Architects (SLIA), has announced a national design competition for the Cultural Centre, which is open to the all Corporate and Registered members and Architectural Practices recognized with the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and to Indian Architectural Practices recognized by the Council of Architects, India working in collaboration with a Sri Lankan Architectural Practice registered with the SLIA and with the Sri Lankan Consultant as the lead consultant.

3. Additional information about the design competition can be seen at the website of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (www.slia.lk) or at the website of the High Commission of India (www.hcicolombo.org)

4. The project will be funded by the Government of India and implemented in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka.

Colombo