Standards vital to boost product quality -SLSI

by Lalin Fernandopulle

In the backdrop of a do or die situation many producers and service roviders are more concerned today on raising the bar on quality and benchmarking their products. However, this trend is not at a satisfactory level according to quality certifiers.

Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI) Director General Dr. Lalth Seneweera said that there is a growing concern among manufacturers and service providers to use standards which not only helps improve the product or service quality but also internal efficiency and effectiveness of institutions. However, he noted that there is space for improvement in areas such as onfectionery, fruits and vegetables, service sectors, electrical appliances (rice cookers) , ceramic ware, sanitary ware and gricultural products (pesticides) .

These areas can be brought under standardization programs. The SLSI is in the process of developing standards for certain products and services which needs quailty improvement. It is vital to further improve theese products with stakeholder programs to create awarness on regulatory and policy matters, Dr. Senaweera said.

Despite all efforts to spur quality there is almost no day that passes ithout someone being affected by food poisoning or being hoaxed into purchasing substandard products which could be life threatening and a urden on the purse.

In a highly competitive market maintainig standards is critical to ensure consumer satisfaction. If standards are breached it will lead to building a sick nation.

The medical bill of a family is an indicator of this fact since sub standard products are injurious to health and safety of people and the environment which creates a vicious cycle, Dr. Seneweera said. A quality certification is a third party assurance to consumers to buy a product with confidence from the competitive markets.