Dear Members,
The Institute has received many complaints regarding the “conflict of interests” arising from some practices of the Corporate Members of this Institute, attached to government and statutory institutions, by providing consultancy services to projects and certifying town planning documents those are to be submitted for approvals/clearances from the very institution, where they are currently employed.
The Executive Council of the Institute is of the opinion that there is a conflict of interests, arising from such practices. However, the Council, decided to obtain views from the membership. Upon the consultation of the members, it could be established that the members generally expressed the opinion that for professional integrity and ethical conduct, members shall refrain from practices leading to such conflicts of interests.
This matter was also raised at the 38th Annual General Meeting of the Institute, held on 30th May 2020 and there was a general consensus that the members working in government and statutory institutions shall refrain from providing consultancy services for projects and certifying, placing the membership stamps on planning documents which need formal clearances from the institutions where the respective members are employed.
Further, your attention is drawn to the clause numbers 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 in Chapter XXX of the Government Establishment Code, where the “Rights of Government over its officers” are explained.
On the above grounds, all members are hereby strictly advised to adhere to the said establishment code and refrain from any involvement in activities that will lead to conflicts of interests.
In an event that a member is found guilty of violating the said clauses of the establishment code, and will have to face consequences, this Institute will not be in a position to safeguard the professional rights of the member.
Thanking you for your corporation
Hony. Secretary
Institute of Town Planners Sri Lanka
