Sri Lanka has launched an initiative to develop its first National Building Code, aiming to improve construction safety, quality, sustainability and resilience to natural disasters.

Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha chaired a meeting at the Defence Ministry on 8 October, attended by officials from the National Building Research Institute, National Planning Department, Urban Development Authority and Construction Industry Development Authority.

The project is scheduled for implementation during 2026–2028, following Cabinet approval granted on 21 October 2025. The National Building Research Institute, Construction Industry Development Authority and Urban Development Authority will jointly manage the initiative.

Sri Lanka currently relies on international standards and local regulations rather than a single legally established national code. The proposed framework will bring consistency to building design, approvals, inspections and enforcement.

It will cover ten technical areas, including structural safety, fire protection, sustainability and universal accessibility, while addressing local climatic, geological and environmental conditions.

The initiative responds to risks associated with floods, landslides, high winds and other hazards, providing a common basis for safer construction and maintenance.

Consultations will involve Government institutions, professional bodies, universities, industry representatives and the public. Training and defined institutional responsibilities will support nationwide implementation.

A qualified consulting firm will be selected through competitive procurement. The assignment is expected to take 24 months, culminating in the preparation and gazetting of the code.

Financed through the Consolidated Fund, the project has invited expressions of interest from consultancy firms, advancing efforts to establish consistent construction standards and protect lives and property.