The 92nd Colloquium of the Building Economics and Management Research Unit (BEMRU) of the Department of Building Economics was successfully held on 30th December 2025 at the Architecture Faculty Board Room, with participants joining online as well. The session featured Associate Professor Hemantha Doloi of the University of Melbourne, an academic in Construction Management, Founding Director of the Smart Villages Lab (SVL), and Founding Chair of the International Conference on Smart Village and Rural Development (COSVARD).
Associate Professor Doloi delivered a thought-provoking session titled “Smart Villages and their Significance in Disaster-Resilient Construction for Climate-Positive Development.” His presentation introduced the concept of smart villages and explored their growing relevance in strengthening disaster resilience while supporting climate-positive development pathways. The talk highlighted how integrated approaches to planning, infrastructure, governance, and technology can enhance the sustainability and resilience of rural and regional communities.
Emphasis was placed on the importance of empirical research in informing evidence-based policymaking, particularly in areas such as affordable housing, smart governance, and need-based development. The session concluded with an engaging discussion, allowing participants to reflect on the applicability of smart village principles within the Sri Lankan context and to exchange insights on advancing disaster-resilient and climate-positive construction practices through academia–industry collaboration.
