ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka is developing a national building code to address issues with structural safety and quality, with World Bank guidance, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.
“These codes cover the entire construction sector under various aspects such as structural integrity of buildings, fire safety, electrical systems, plumbing systems, energy efficiency and disaster resilience,” Jayatissa told reporters.
The World Bank Group has provided technical assistance to the relevant stakeholders, including the National Building Research Organization, in the development of the National Building Codes concept, he said.
“Due to the absence of a national building code currently in force in Sri Lanka, problems have arisen regarding the structural safety, quality and regulation of construction.”
The preparation of climate-resilient national building codes was identified as a priority among four recommendations proposed by the International Monetary Fund.
The National Building Research Organization has prepared a project proposal to prepare a National Building Codes for Sri Lanka.
The cabinet had approved the proposal to prepare and establish a national building code for Sri Lanka, he said.
The decision was previously taken by the cabinet in April 2019, but could not be implemented.
Building Codes are a set of regulations with minimum legal and technical requirements for the design, construction, maintenance and alteration of buildings in a manner that ensures the safety, health and well-being of the public and minimizes disaster risks. (Colombo/Oct22/2025)
Continue Reading