Code of Ethics

Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka

August 2019
 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

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 ETHICS
The principles of conduct governing an
individual or group (professionals)

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 ETHICS
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.

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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]

 Institute of Electrical and Electronics

Engineers [IEEE]

 American Society of Civil Engineers

[ASCE]
 Institution of Civil Engineers, UK [ICE] 7
 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.
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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, 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]

2. 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] 18
 IESL CODE OF ETHICS (contd.)
3. Engineers shall be committed to the need for
sustainable management of the planet’s
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]

4. Engineers shall build their reputation on

merit and shall not compete unfairly.
[ASCE, ]

5. Engineers shall perform professional services

only in the areas of their competence. .
[FEANI, ICE, ASCE, IEEE]
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IESL CODE OF ETHICS (contd.)

6. 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, IEEE]

7. Engineers shall give evidence, express opinions or

make statements in an objective and truthful manner
[FEANI, IEEE]
8. 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]
.
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 between their (engineers) clients /employers and the public
and shall advise the client of their (engineers) concerns. {CONFLICT
 Clause 1 (contd.) 23

 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]
 24

CA 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 expectations
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.
 25

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}
 Clause 2 (contd.)
 shall promote the principle engagement of
engineers on the basis of merit {MERIT}

 shall uphold the principle of adequate &

appropriate remuneration for professional
engineering staff in keeping with their
qualifications and market price
{RECOGNITION}

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Clause 3
Engineers shall be committed to the need for
sustainable management of the planet’s 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 work in close co-operation with members of other

professions and disciplines on achieving sustainable
development {CO-OPERATION}
 Clause 3 (contd.)
 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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 29

Clause 4
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 not attempt to supplant another engineer, employed or

consulting, who has been appointed. {“UNDER CUTTING”}

 shall neither falsify nor misrepresent their own or their

associate’s 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}
 30

Clause 4 (contd.)
 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}

 shall not resort to any type of plagiarism in their works

{HONESTY}

 shall act with due regards to Intellectual Property Rights of

others in their works {ACKNOWLEDGE}

 shall not engage in unfair competition , including charging of

extremely high or low professional fees compared to market
rates, in delivering professional services. {HONESTY}
 What is Plagiarism?
 To “plagiarise” is to :
 to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of
another) as one's own
 to use (another's production) without crediting the
source
 to commit literary theft
 to present as new and original an idea or product
derived from an existing source

 In other words, plagiarism is an act of

fraud.
 It involves both stealing someone else's
work and lying about it afterwards 31
 Clause 5
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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 33

Clause 6
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}
 34

Clause 6 (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 not accept a commission, fee, reward or other benefit

from a third party, while advising a client . {BRIBERY}

 shall advise their clients or employers when as a result of

their studies they believe that a project will not be viable.
(CONVICTION}
 Clause 6 (contd.)
 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 from
further service on the project. {INTEGRITY}

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 Clause 7
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 making a statement or giving evidence.
{HONESTY} 36
 Clause 8
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} 37
 38

CONCLUSION
 The IESL Code of Ethics expects the Engineer to :

1. Primarily be concerned about People

2. Uphold the Honour of the Profession
3. Ensure that they practice Environmental
Sustainability
4. To develop their reputation through their
own Achievements
5. Practice only in their areas of
Specialization
6. Be Loyal to their employers
7. Be Truthful in reporting
8. Be involved in Lifelong Learning
 39

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
8. Ensure that they practice Environmental
Sustainability
PPA
SLTLE
40
PROFESSIONAL
CONDUCT

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 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 the Institution. 42
 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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44
IESL DISCIPLINARY
PROCEDURES

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 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. 46
 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 47
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
Executive Secretary that proceedings will be held ex-parte. 49
 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
50
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
two thirds of the membership of the Council is present. 51
 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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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
 https://www.feani.org
 https://www.ice.org.uk/about-ice/who-runs-
ice/how-we-work/conduct-policy
 https://www.ieee.org
 http://www.asce.org/codeofethics/
 IESL web site - www.iesl.lk/
 http://www.shutterstock.com

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