SLSI to launch certification programs

By Lalin Fernandopulle

The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) will launch several certification programs to enhance service standards and quality of products in the public and private sector organisations, SLSI Director General Dr. Lalith Senaweera said.

He said that the Institution will pay special attention on implementing the ISO 9001 certificate to improve service standards in public sector institutions. ISO 9001 focuses on improving the quality of services in organisations by minimising the delays and mistakes to ensure institutions functions efficiently and effectively.The ISO 9001 certificate was introduced in 1987 and it was amended on several occasions. Currently the 2008 version is being implemented. The ISO 9001 certificate was considered as a standard and was made almost mandatory in 2000 in Malaysia by former Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

“Around 1,00 public sector organisations have obtained the certificate but it needs to be further implemented as many organisations need to improve their service standards,” Dr. Senaweera said.SLSI will introduce the ISO 22000 certificate to the hospitality sector as food has become the focal point to sustain the hotel industry. The SLS mark is being recognised the world over as a quality certification.

SLSI has issued the trade mark to companies in UAE, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, China, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

The SLS mark focuses on the end-product to ensure that it conforms to the national standard applicable to the product. The certificate is awarded after testing the product against the standard.

Manufacturers should ensure that the product conforms to the standard to obtain the certificate.

“SLSI will focus on bringing a large number of products especially agricultural products under the SLS marking scheme so that the consumers will benefit,” Dr. Senaweera said.

He said that SLSI has introduced a Good Manufacturing Practice certification for the small and medium sector enterprises to ensure their products are acceptable.

The standards institution will focus on the implementation of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification Scheme which helps organisations to make the supply chain more environment-friendly while taking steps to mitigate the adverse impact on the environment. Around 100 companies implement the scheme.

SLSI will also focus on the implementation of the Import Inspection Scheme aggressively. Around 103 items have been identified under the Import Export Control Act considering the health and safety of products. He said that food safety standards such as the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certificate should be made mandatory for all eateries. Food safety certifications are mandatory in India.