Professional Code of Ethics

Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka

June 2015

Topics
Ethics
Engineering Institutions - Code of
Ethics
IESL - Code of Ethics
Professional Conduct
Disciplinary Procedures
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ETHICS
The discipline dealing with what is good and bad,
and with moral duty and obligation

The principles of conduct governing an individual

or group (professionals)

The value structure that guides the actions of a

person, whether individual or corporate, in
his/her/their dealings with any other person, or
with society in general.

Public

Professional
Practice

Government

Professional
Bodies

Professional Practice

Public

Professional
Bodies

Government

ETHICS
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Why have a Code of Ethics?

to define accepted/acceptable behaviours;
to promote high standards of practice;
to provide a benchmark for members to
use for self evaluation;
to establish a framework for professional
behaviour and responsibilities;
as a vehicle for occupational identity;
as a mark of occupational maturity.
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Some Engineering Codes of

Ethics / Conduct
European Federation of National
Engineering Associations [FEANI]

Institution of Civil Engineers, UK

Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers [IEEE]

American Society of Civil Engineers

[ASCE]
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FEANI Code of Conduct

Ethical Principle
The decisions and actions of engineers have a large

impact on the environment and on society. The

engineering profession thus has an obligation to ensure
that it works in the public interest and with regard for
health, safety and sustainability.

Framework Statement
National associations of engineers, and FEANI with

regard to EURING registrants, have codes of conduct

which have much in common and which have the intent
of implementing the above ethical principle. As a result of
this convergence the European engineering profession
as a whole can make a universal statement regarding
the conduct of professional engineers.
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FEANI Code of Conduct

Individual engineers have a personal obligation to act with integrity, in the
public interest, and to exercise all reasonable skill and care in carrying out
their work.
In so doing engineers:

Shall maintain their relevant competences at the necessary level and only

undertake tasks for which they are competent

Shall not misrepresent their educational qualifications or professional titles
Shall provide impartial analysis and judgement to employer or clients, avoid
conflicts of interest, and observe proper duties of confidentiality
Shall carry out their tasks so as to prevent avoidable danger to health and
safety, and prevent avoidable adverse impact on the environment
Shall accept appropriate responsibility for their work and that carried out
under their supervision
Shall respect the personal rights of people with whom they work and the
legal and cultural values of the societies in which they carry out
assignments
Shall be prepared to contribute to public debate on matters of technical
understanding in fields in which they are competent to comment
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FEANI Code of Conduct

Codes of Conduct

The pan-European statement on engineering ethics and

conduct presented above is best implemented through
the codes issued by national engineering associations.

These codes can, and in general already do, incorporate

the listed objectives in a form which reflects national
circumstances and allow additional objectives to be
added as required by national practice.

ICE Code of Professional Conduct

1. All members shall discharge their
professional duties with integrity and shall
behave with integrity in relation to all conduct
bearing upon the standing, reputation and
dignity of the Institution and of the profession
of civil engineering.
2. All members shall only undertake work that
they are competent to do.
3. All members shall have full regard for the
public interest, particularly in relation to
matters of health and safety, and in relation to
the well-being of future generations.

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ICE Code of Professional Conduct

4. All members shall show due regard for the
environment and for the sustainable
management of natural resources.
5. All members shall develop their
professional knowledge, skills and
competence on a continuing basis and shall
give all reasonable assistance to further the
education, training and continuing
professional development of others.

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ICE Code of Professional Conduct

6. All members shall:
a. notify the Institution if convicted of a
criminal offence;
b. notify the Institution upon becoming
bankrupt or disqualified as a Company
Director;
c. notify the Institution of any significant
breach of the Rules of Professional Conduct
by another member
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IEEE Code of Ethics

We, the members of the IEEE, in recognition of the importance of our
technologies in affecting the quality of life throughout the world, and in
accepting a personal obligation to our profession, its members and the
communities we serve, do hereby commit ourselves to the highest ethical and
professional conduct and agree:

to accept responsibility in making decisions consistent with the safety, health and
welfare of the public, and to disclose promptly factors that might endanger the
public or the environment;

to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest whenever possible, and to disclose

them to affected parties when they do exist;

to be honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available data;

to reject bribery in all its forms;
to improve the understanding of technology, its appropriate application, and
potential consequences;

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IEEE Code of Ethics

to maintain and improve our technical competence and to undertake
technological tasks for others only if qualified by training or
experience, or after full disclosure of pertinent limitations;

to seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to

acknowledge and correct errors, and to credit properly the
contributions of others;

to treat fairly all persons regardless of such factors as race, religion,

gender, disability, age, or national origin;

to avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment by

false or malicious action;

to assist colleagues and co-workers in their professional

development and to support them in following this code of ethics.

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American Society of Civil Engineers

Fundamental Principles
Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honour and
dignity of the engineering profession by:

using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of

human welfare;
being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the
public, their employers and clients;
striving to increase the competence and prestige of the
engineering profession; and
supporting the professional and technical societies of
their disciplines.
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American Society of Civil Engineers

Fundamental Canons

Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of

the public in the performance of their professional duties.
Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their
competence.
Engineers shall issue public statements only in a subjective and
truthful manner.
Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or
client as faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of
interest.
Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of
their services and shall not compete unfairly with others.
Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance
the honor, integrity, and dignity of the engineering profession.
Engineers shall continue their professional development
throughout their careers, and shall provide opportunities for the
professional development of those engineers under their
supervision.
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IESL CODE OF ETHICS

1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety,

2.

3.

health and welfare of the public and proper

utilization of funds in the performance of their
professional duties. It shall take precedence
over their responsibility to the profession, to
sectional or private interests, employers or to
other engineers. [FEANI, ICE, ASCE, IEEE]
Engineers shall always act in such a manner as
to uphold and enhance the honour, integrity and
dignity of the profession while safe-guarding
public interest at all times. [ICE, ASCE]
Engineers shall build their reputation on merit
and shall not compete unfairly. [ASCE, ]
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IESL CODE OF ETHICS (contd.)

4. Engineers shall perform professional services only in
the areas of their competence. . [FEANI, ICE,

ASCE, IEEE]

5. Engineers shall apply their skills and knowledge in the

interest of their employer or client for whom they shall

act, in professional matters, as faithful agents or
trustees, so far as they do not conflict with the other
requirements listed here and the general public interest.

[FEANI, ASCE,]
6. Engineers shall give evidence, express opinions or
make statements in an objective and truthful manner.

[FEANI, IEEE]

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IESL CODE OF ETHICS (contd.)

7. Engineers shall continue their professional
development throughout their careers and shall
actively assist and encourage engineers under their
direction to advance their knowledge and
experience. . [FEANI, ICE, ASCE, IEEE]
8. Engineers shall be committed to the need for
sustainable management of the planets resources
and seek to minimize adverse environmental
impacts of their engineering works or applications of
technology so as to protect both present and future
generations . [FEANI, ICE, ASCE, IEEE]

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IESL CODE OF
ETHICS

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Clause 1
Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of
the public and proper utilization of the funds and other resources
in the performance of their professional duties. It shall take
precedence over their responsibility to the profession, sectional
private interests, employers or to other engineers. [THE PEOPLE]
As the first requirement places the interests of the community above all others, Engineers

shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements or testimony.

They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports,
statements or testimony. {TRUTH}

shall endeavour at all times to maintain engineering services essential to public

welfare. {SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC}

shall work in conformity with recognised engineering standards so as not to

jeopardise the public welfare, health or safety. {STANDARDS}

shall not participate in assignments that would create conflict of interest

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between their (engineers) clients /employers and the public and shall advise the
client of their (engineers) concerns. {CONFLICT OF INTEREST}

Clause 1 (contd.)
shall, in the event of their judgement being over-ruled in matters pertaining to welfare,

health or safety of the community, inform their (engineers) clients or employers of the
possible consequences and bring to their (clients) notice their (Engineers) obligations as
professionals to inform the relevant authority {CONVICTION}

shall contribute to public discussion on engineering matters in their areas of competence, if

they consider that by so doing they can constructively advance the well-being of the
community .{ADVISE}

having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall co-operate with the proper

authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required .{WHISTLE

BLOWING}

shall not knowingly participate in any act which will result in waste or misappropriation of
public funds. {DISHONESTY}

Shall actively contribute to the well being of society and, when involved, in any engineering

project or application of technology, shall, where appropriate, recognize the need to identify,
inform and consult affected parties to help resolve problems involved. {DIALOGUE]

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SEEKS TO PLEASE SEC WHO WANTS AUDIT FIRM$ TO

WHISTLE - BLOW
CA to incorporate whistle-blowing into Ethics Code
The Institute of Chartered Accountants Sri Lanka (CA) plans
to incorporate a'whistle-blowing' element into its Ethics Code,
a follow up to the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) saying recently that it wants audit firms to whistle-blow
as and when they come across 'anything unusual' in listed
firms they audit. "We want to look at fulfilling the expections of
the regulator by incorporating these elements in our Code' of
Ethics, President CA told the Business Times . He added that
legislative action can be counter productive as it can be
defensive and this (ethics code inclusion) is one way to
accommodate progressive reforms.
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Clause 2
Engineers shall always act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance
the honour, integrity and dignity of the professional while
safeguarding public interest at all times . [HONOUR OF THE
PROFESSION]
This requires that the profession should endeavour by its behaviour to merit
the highest esteem of the community. It follows therefore that engineers-

shall not involve themselves with any business or professional practice

which they know to be fraudulent or dishonest in nature. {DISHONESTY}

shall not use association with other persons, corporations or partnerships to

conceal unethical acts. {ASSOCIATIONS}

shall not continue in partnership with, or act in professional matters with any
engineer who has been removed from membership of this Institution
because of improper conduct. {INTEGRITY}

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Clause 3
Engineers shall build their reputation on merit and shall not compete
unfairly. [OWN ACHIEVEMENTS]

This requirement is to ensure that engineers shall not seek to gain a

benefit by improper means. It follows that engineers-

shall neither pay nor offer, directly or indirectly, inducements

including political contributions. {BRIBERY}

shall promote the principle of engagement of engineers

upon the basis of merit. They shall uphold the principle of

adequate and appropriate remuneration for professional
engineering staff and shall given due consideration to terms
of engagement which have the approval of the
Professionals appropriate association. {MERIT}

shall not attempt to supplant another engineer, employed or

consulting, who has been appointed. {UNDER CUTTING}25

Clause 3 (contd.)
shall neither falsify nor misrepresent their own or their associates
qualifications, experience and prior responsibilities.
{MISREPRESENTATION}

shall not maliciously do anything to injure, directly or indirectly,

the reputation, prospects or business of others. {MALICIOUS TALK}

shall not use the advantage of a privileged position to compete

unfairly with other engineers. {CONNECTIONS}

shall exercise due restraint in explaining their own work and shall
refrain from unfair criticism of the work of other engineers.
{MODESTY}

shall give proper credit for professional work to those to whom

credit is due and acknowledge the contribution of subordinates

and others. (ACKNOWLEDGE}
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Clause 4
Engineers shall perform professional services only in the areas
of their competence. [SPECIALIZATIONS]
To this end engineers-

shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education and

experience in the specific technical fields involved. If an assignment

requires qualifications and experience outside their fields of
competence they shall engage competent professionals with
necessary qualifications and experience and keep the employers
and clients informed of such arrangements. {COMPETENCE}

shall not affix their signature to any plans or documents dealing with

subject matter in which they lack competence, or to any plan or

document not prepared under their direction or control. {HONESTY}

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Clause 5
Engineers shall apply their skills and knowledge in the interest of their
employer or client for whom they shall act, in professional matters, as
faithful agents or trustees, so far as they do not conflict with the other
requirements listed here and the general public interest. [LOYALTY]
It follows that engineers-

shall at all times avoid all known or potential conflicts of interest. They

should keep their employers or clients fully informed on all matters,

including financial interests, which could lead to such a conflict, and in no
circumstances should they participate in any decision which could involve
them in conflict of interest. {LOYALTY}

shall when acting as administrators of a contract be impartial as between

the parties in the interpretation of the contract. This requirement of

impartially shall not diminish the duty of engineers to apply their skill and
knowledge in the interests of their employers or clients. {NEUTRALITY}

shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise from more than one
party for services on the same project, unless the circumstances are fully
disclosed and agreed to, by all interested parties. {GRATUITY}

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Clause 5 (contd.)
shall neither solicit nor accept financial or other valuable consideration,

including free engineering designs, from material or equipment suppliers for

specifying their products (except such designs obtained with the knowledge
and consent of the employer or client). {INTEGRITY}

shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, directly or indirectly from contractors
or their agents, or other parties dealing with their clients or employers in
connection with work for which they are responsible. {BRIBERY}

shall advise their clients or employers when as a result of their studies they
believe that a project will not be viable. (CONVICTION}
shall neither disclose nor use confidential information gained in the course of
their employment without express permission (except where public interest
and safety are involved). {CONFIDENTIALITY}

shall not complete, sign, or seal plans an/or specifications that are not of a

design safe to the public health and welfare and in conformity with accepted
engineering standards. If the client or employer insists on such
unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the proper authorities and withdraw 29
from further service on the project. {INTEGRITY}

Clause 6
Engineers shall give evidence, express opinions or
make statements in an objective and truthful
manner. [THRUTHFUL]
It follows that-

engineers professional reports, statements or testimony

before any tribunal shall be objective and such opinions
shall be expressed only on the basis of adequate
knowledge and technical competence in the area, but
this does not preclude a considered judgement based
intuitively on experience and wide relevant knowledge.
{PRECISE, KNOWLEDGABLE}

engineers shall reveal the existence of any interest,

pecuniary or otherwise that could be taken to effect their

judgement in a technical matter about which they are 30
making a statement or giving evidence. {HONESTY}

Clause 7
Engineers shall continue their professional
development throughout their careers and shall
actively assist and encourage engineers under their
direction to advance their knowledge and experience.
[CPD]
The requirement here is that engineers shall strive to widen their
knowledge and improve their skill in order to achieve a continuing
improvement of the profession. It follows therefore that engineers-

shall encourage their professional employees and subordinates to

further their education, {LIFE-LONG LEARNING}

shall take a positive interest in and encourage their fellow engineers

actively to support the Institution and other professional engineering
bodies which further the general interest of the profession.
[INVOLVEMENT}

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Clause 8

Engineers shall be committed to the need for sustainable

management of the planets resources and seek to minimize adverse
environmental impacts of their engineering works or applications of
technology so as to protect both present and future generations .

[SUSTAINABILITY]
To this end engineers

shall carefully evaluate adverse environmental impacts and incorporate practical

remedial measures to minimize them. {ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION}

shall consider theoretical, legislative, regulatory and policy aspects of

environmental protection and sustainable management of the available

resources. {ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

shall critically analyze how the proposed project or the application of technology
relates to sustainability considerations. {ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

shall identify and assess options for material recovery and disposal. {MINIMIZE/
REUSE OF WASTE & SAFE DISPOSAL}

shall analyze opportunities for resource and energy conservation and, design
appropriately optimized systems. {CONSERVATION}

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CONCLUSION
The IESL Code of Ethics expects the Engineer to :
1. Primarily be concerned about People
2. Uphold the Honour of the Profession
3. To develop their reputation through their own
Achievements
4. Practice only in their areas of Specialization
5. Be Loyal to their employers
6. Be Truthful in reporting
7. Be involved in Lifelong Learning

PPA
SLTLE

8. Ensure that they practice Environmental

Sustainability

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34

PROFESSIONAL
CONDUCT

35

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

IESL BY-LAW 26 to 29
Every Corporate Member whose name appears on the
Register of Chartered Engineers is entitled to describe
himself as a Chartered Engineer
Use the following abbreviations, namely CEng, FIE(Sri
Lanka), or CEng, MIE(Sri Lanka).
A Corporate Member in partnership with a person who
is not a Corporate Member of the Institution shall not
use after the title of such Firm the designation
Chartered Engineers.

No person who has ceased to be on the Roll shall

make use of any designation implying connection with
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the Institution.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

All members are required to order their conduct so as to

uphold the dignity, standing and reputation of the
Institution.
Without prejudice to the generality of the last preceding
By-law the Council may for the purpose of ensuring the
fulfilment of this requirement, make, amend and rescind
Rules to be observed by members with regard to their
conduct in any respect which may be relevant to their
position or intended position as members of the Institution
and may publish directions or pronouncements as to
specific conduct which is to be regarded as proper or as
improper.
In pursuance of the objectives of the above mentioned
clause the Rules of conduct to be observed by the members
of the Institution shall be those listed in the Code of
Ethics given as Appendix I with the By-laws of the
Institution. These Rules of conduct shall be binding on all
members of the Institution.
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IESL DISCIPLINARY
PROCEDURES

38

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Any member against whom an allegation of

misconduct is made in writing by an individual or
by an institution, shall be informed in writing by the
President of the IESL of the allegation and shall be
given an opportunity to vindicate himself of the
charges (Vide By Law 33).

The President shall in consultation with the

President - Elect will decide on whether the
member has vindicated himself.

If the member is unable to vindicate himself, his

case shall be referred to a Disciplinary Committee
to investigate and report to the Council.

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Disciplinary Panel and

Disciplinary Committee

The Council at its first meeting for each session, will

nominate six Fellows to constitute a Disciplinary
Panel from whom a Disciplinary Committee (Vide
By Law 31) will be selected to hear any disciplinary
inquiry concerning the member.

A Disciplinary Committee will be nominated by the

Council.

The Council will determine the Terms of Reference

of such Disciplinary Committee and will also
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nominate a Chairperson.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

The member shall be notified in writing by the Executive Secretary :

that charges have been formulated for determination by the

Disciplinary Committee;

the names of the members of the Disciplinary Committee;

that he is required to respond to the charges in writing to the

Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee within fourteen days from
the date of such notification;

that he is required to appear in person before the Disciplinary

Committee at the time fixed for the hearing of the charges;

the schedule of evidence including the list of witnesses to be presented

to the Disciplinary Committee in support of the charges;

the date, place and time fixed for commencement of the inquiry and the
hearing of the charges by the Disciplinary Committee.
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DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

The member may object against any member of the Disciplinary

Committee on the grounds of prejudice. Reasons for such
objection needs to be clearly stated. Objections to be considered
by a committee comprising the President, the President - Elect
and a Vice President.

The Executive Secretary shall present the case against the member
at the first meeting of the Disciplinary Committee.

The Disciplinary Committee shall permit the member to be

represented at the disciplinary inquiry by a Corporate Member of
the Institution or he may decide to conduct his own defense.

The Disciplinary Committee shall endeavour to complete the

inquiry within one month.

If the member is absents without a valid reason, the inquiry shall

be adjourned and he/she shall be warned in writing by the
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Executive Secretary that proceedings will be held ex-parte.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

On the documentary evidence provided if the Disciplinary

Committee considers it is not necessary to conduct an inquiry
it may so decide.

If a detailed inquiry is decided upon, the following

considerations as set out in Clause 10 of the IESL Disciplinary
Procedure will apply

The Disciplinary Committee at any stage of the inquiry may seek

legal advice if thought necessary with the approval of the President/
Council.

The decision of the Disciplinary Committee on any matter of

procedures or any objection raised on procedural grounds shall
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be final.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

The decision and any recommendations of the Disciplinary

Committee made at the conclusion of the inquiry shall be
submitted to the President of the Institution within three
weeks thereafter. The President shall submit the decision
and recommendation of the Disciplinary Committee to the
Council for action.

The Council may by resolution expel or suspend for any

period from membership, reprimand or admonish any
member found guilty of improper conduct. The Council
may direct that such member shall make a contribution
towards the expenses of the hearing before the Disciplinary
Committee.

A member shall not be expelled except by a majority

decision taken at a meeting of the Council at which at least
44
two thirds of the membership of the Council is present.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

The order of the Council on the recommendation of

the Disciplinary Committee shall be notified to the
member by the Executive Secretary.

The member can appeal in writing within one month

of the date of receipt of such notification

The Council may refer such appeal to the

Disciplinary Committee for their observations. The
decision of the Council shall be final and shall be
conveyed to the member by the Executive Secretary.
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