ICREMV 2025 – Highlights

October 24, 2025

The Department of Estate Management and Valuation proudly hosted the 9th International Conference on Real Estate Management and Valuation (ICREMV 2025) on 23rd and 24th October 2025 at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and City of Dreams, Cinnamon Life, Colombo.

This year’s conference brought together scholars, industry experts, policymakers, and students through a dynamic series of events, including Pre-Conference Workshops, the Inauguration Ceremony, Academic Sessions, and the Policy Talk Series, all aimed at shaping the future of real estate and valuation.

The conference opened with a ceremony attended by senior university leadership and international delegates.

Guests included Prof. Rasika Perera, Acting Vice Chancellor, and Prof. Dushan Jayawickrama, Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce.
Keynote speeches were delivered by Snr. Prof. Sampath Amaratunge and Mr. Mohsen Dehghan, offering forward-looking insights into the real estate sector.

Representatives from the University of Malaya, Prof. Mohd Khairudin Abd Halim, Dr. Ahmad Fawwaz, and Dr. Zairul Nisham were also in attendance.
The ceremony was led by Conference Co-Chairs Snr. Prof. K. G. P. K. Weerakoon and Prof. Nishani Wickramaarachchi, together with Prof. Prathap Kaluthanthri, Head of the Department.

Academic leaders, industry practitioners, and student representatives contributed to a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere.

The Policy Talk Series served as a platform for expert discussions on timely issues shaping Sri Lanka’s urban and real estate agenda.

Policy Talk 01- Reimagining the Property Rating System – Real Estate for Equitable and Sustainable Cities

Coordinated by Prof. T. G. U. P. Perera, this session examined reforms required for a fair and sustainable property rating valuation system.

Panelists included:

Mr. P. W. Senarathna – Former Chief Valuer
Mr. Sujeewa Nanayakkara – Chief Valuer
Prof. Mohd Khairudin Abd Halim – University of Malaya
Prof. Prathap Kaluthanthri – Head of Department

The discussion emphasized equity, efficiency, and local government finance sustainability. A policy paper is being finalized based on the outcomes of the session and earlier focused group discussions.

Policy Talk 02- Responsive Urban Policy for Branding Anuradhapura as an Inclusive Heritage and Cultural Tourism Destination

This session explored ways to position Anuradhapura as an inclusive heritage and cultural tourism destination.

Highlights included a keynote address by Emeritus Prof. Samitha Manawadu and a panel moderated by Snr. Prof. (Chair) R. G. Ariyawansa.

Panelists:

Emeritus Prof. Samitha Manawadu
Plnr. Lalith Wijayarathne – Deputy Director General, UDA
Ms. Bhagya Mahawithanage – SLTDA
Ms. Indu Weerasoori – Former DDG, UDA

The dialogue contributed significantly to shaping responsive urban policies aligned with cultural identity and sustainable tourism.

The Conference Proceedings of ICREMV 2025, edited by Snr. Prof. K. G. P. K. Weerakoon, were officially released during the event.
The volume, aligned with the theme “Sharing Tomorrow: Transformative Trends in Real Estate,” was ceremonially presented to Snr. Prof. (Chair) Sampath Amaratunge, alongside representatives from the University of Malaya.

Academic Sessions & Undergraduate Poster Session

The Academic Sessions and Undergraduate Poster Session were held at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura under the patronage of Prof. Dushan Jayewickrama.

Plenary Speeches

Dr. Ahmad Fawwaz Ahmad Saleh – Rethinking Affordable Housing for Sustainable Urban Growth and Living
Dr. Zairul Nisham Bin Musa – Transformative Trends in the Real Estate Industry

Parallel Sessions

Chaired by:

Dr. Zairul Nisham Bin Musa & Rtd. Prof. J. Edirisinghe
Dr. Ahmad Fawwaz Ahmad Saleh & Mr. E. M. R. U. B. Dorakumbura

Undergraduate Poster Session

Evaluated by Prof. Rohini Samarasinghe, Prof. G. D. N. Perera, and Ms. Indu Weerasooriya, the session featured innovative final-year student research.