In developed world, the public sector organisations are equipped with quality administrative and regulatory systems. Substantial number of Sri Lankan engineers work for these public sector organisations and gain an in-depth knowledge on application of the best practice guidelines and codes of practice. Sri Lankan counterparts can be benefitted by tapping the skills and knowledge of migrant engineers. A dialogue between the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) and the overseas Sri Lankan engineers, would be paramount to exchange information and share knowledge. The ultimate aim is to produce a series of best practice guidelines and Codes of Practice for engineering works.

This paper outlines how ‘the Building Code of Australia’ was developed. The author proposes the Urban Development Authority (UDA) or Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) to take the leadership to develop a ‘Building Code of Sri Lanka’ using the Building Code of Australia as a prototype.

Keywords: Building Compliance, Performance Based Code, Building Code of Australia, National Construction Series, Deemed to Satisfy Provisions, Alternative Solutions.

Importance of Processes and Procedures

A process and a procedure talk about ‘what is done’ and ‘how it is done’, respectively. When processes and procedures are not available, implementation of works becomes erratic and inconsistent. Consequently, the receivers of the service outcomes are treated chaotically. This creates doubts in the receiver’s mind over the service provider’s impartiality and even about the competency levels. Sometimes, this situation is escalated into serious allegations like favouritism and nepotism. Hence, the service providers have a duty to maintain process consistency and procedural fairness.