📈 IESL Calls for Urgent Reform in Building Fire Safety

The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) has warned of "serious systemic weaknesses" in the nation’s fire safety framework amidst a rapid rise in high-rise condominiums and commercial towers. A high-level workshop involving the UDA, CIDA, and the Fire Service Department highlighted critical gaps in enforcement and accountability. • Institutional Gaps: There is currently no single authority responsible for fire safety throughout a building’s lifecycle. The UDA lacks independent technical capacity, relying heavily on the Colombo Fire Department for design reviews. • Regulatory Failures: While approvals exist at the planning stage, there is a lack of mandatory post-construction inspections and periodic safety certifications (e.g., annual fire audits) common in developed markets. • Risk to Investments: Experts noted that fire engineering is often ignored during initial design, making later rectifications in real estate and hospitality sectors complex and expensive. • Proposed Actions: • Establish a dedicated Central Fire Safety Authority. • Mandate regular inspections linked to occupancy permits and insurance. • Improve coordination between construction regulators and local authorities. • Integrate fire safety into school and university curricula. _Note: Summary based on IESL national dialogue report dated March 10, 2026._