Sri Lanka implements national building code framework

By Huzefa Aliasger  

Sri Lanka is developing a national building code to address issues with structural safety and quality, following a proposal submitted by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Defence, with World Bank guidance, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.   

The Cabinet under former President Maithripala Sirisena’s government had made this decision in April 2019, but it was not implemented.   

Sri Lanka currently does not have a national building code in effect, which has led to repeated problems concerning structural safety, construction standards, and proper regulation. “Due to the absence of a national building code currently in force in Sri Lanka, issues have emerged regarding structural safety, construction quality, and regulation,” the Minister said.   

The National Building Research Organization has submitted a project proposal to develop a National Building Code for Sri Lanka.   

The World Bank Group has provided technical support to the relevant authorities in drafting the concept, and developing climate-resilient building codes has also been identified as a national priority. It was included as one of the four key recommendations in the Climate Public Investment Management Assessment carried out by the International Monetary Fund in Sri Lanka.   

Building codes generally set minimum legal and technical standards for construction, covering aspects such as structural strength, fire safety, electrical and plumbing systems, energy efficiency, and disaster preparedness.   

Meanwhile, the Cabinet has also decided to identify the total land area at risk of landslides using the Red and Yellow Zone Determination Methodology, noting that Sri Lanka’s mountainous regions which make up 30 percent of the country’s land area and span 14 districts are vulnerable to landslides.