Building a safer Sri Lanka: A presidential appeal for a National Building and Development Code

Tracing the wounds of history and the painful narrative behind it

- By Eng. Janaka Seneviratne

THE Engineer Journal is the official publication of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL). On 22 October 2016, I published an article entitled "Path Ahead for Public Sector Engineers" (Volume 49, Issue 4). Securing its publication was a considerable challenge, as the journal traditionally accepts only technical papers that present research findings or inventions. Articles on managementrelated subjects are typically confined to the newsletter. Furthermore, my article contained critical observations on the conduct of practising engineers and the role of IESL itself. In consultation with the assessors, I moderated the tone to achieve a balanced and constructive middle ground.

Following its publication, I received an email from a senior officer at the Urban Development Authority (UDA), who expressed interest in adopting some of my recommendations. He invited me to assist in developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for technical areas related to Development Plans. I subsequently designed a KPI framework, which was implemented within the unit despite significant internal resistance. During a visit to Sri Lanka, I delivered a presentation to the Chairman and senior management of UDA on the practical applications of KPIs. The questions raised during the session reflected the staff's reluctance to embrace the system. This work was undertaken entirely on a voluntary basis, as a professional contribution to motherland.