Page 46 - QUALITY Magazine (Volume 03 - Issue I)

How would you compare the academic and Absolutely! The country has an incredible energy
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cultural experience in Sri Lanka to that in and immense potential, especially in sustainable
Switzerland? construction and urban development. Of course,
there are challenges, but that’s what makes it
The academic approach in Sri Lanka leans mostly even more exciting. As a freelance architect and
towards theory, with a strong emphasis on consultant, I’m always open to new opportunities
detailed exploration of concepts and models. and could see myself contributing to a project that
Practical applications, while present, are typically integrates both local and international approaches.
limited to specific modules or projects. This
theoretical focus has provided me with a unique Let’s switch to something lighter – what has
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and valuable opportunity to engage deeply with been your favorite moment in Sri Lanka so far?
foundational knowledge, offering a different
perspective from the more practice-oriented Oh, there are so many! My first tuk-tuk ride
approach I’m accustomed to in Switzerland. felt like a scene from an action movie – chaotic
yet thrilling. A highlight was visiting Udawalawe
Culturally, what stood out the most was the National Park, where I observed elephants in their
incredible hospitality of the people. Their natural habitat. Alongside these majestic creatures,
warmth and willingness to help made it easy for I was captivated by elegant deer, sturdy buffalo, and
me to adapt and feel at home. This welcoming vibrant bird species like peacocks and eagles. The
environment helped me settle in quickly and park’s dry, hot landscape contrasts beautifully with
embrace the experience fully. At the same the lush tropical areas of the Sinharaja Rainforest.
time, I noticed differences in organization and There, I encountered an astonishing array of
structure, such as the flexibility of schedules wildlife, including green pit vipers, shimmering
and a resourceful, adaptive problem-solving beetles, and camouflaged lizards. The thundering
approach. These cultural nuances have taught waterfalls and dense vegetation also created this
me valuable lessons in adaptability and how to unforgettable atmosphere. Combining these natural
approach challenges with greater resilience and wonders with visited places like the ancient cities of
openness. Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya makes Sri
Lanka truly unique.
If you could change something about the
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academic or practical approach here, what And what was the best food you’ve tried here?
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would it be?
Definitely rice and curry! I love the variety of curries
I think it would be beneficial for universities and the rich flavors, though I quickly learned that
in Sri Lanka to collaborate more closely with “mild” spice in Sri Lanka has a completely different
companies to develop practical solutions. meaning than in Switzerland.
In Switzerland, we have programs where
students work directly on industry projects. Where do you see the future of Sri Lanka in
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This not only fosters innovation but also better the real estate sector?
prepares students for professional challenges. Sri Lanka holds immense potential, thanks to its
For example, utilizing projects like the newly extraordinary combination of natural biodiversity
developed Port City in Colombo as case studies and rich cultural heritage. This combination could
could effectively bridge the gap between theory position the country as a model for sustainable
and practice. tourism and ecological urban development.

Could you see yourself living or working in
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Sri Lanka in the future?