Sri Lanka Standards Institution

Timeline

2023

1987

Introduction of Consumer Education Circles in schools, encompass ng approximately 25,000 students in the (Advanced Level) Commerce stream to popularize the concept of consumerism. An lnter-school Hand-book competition held, involving the members of consumer education circles
SLSI expanded its services to the Industry by establishing a Calibration Unit in the laboratory with facilities for calibration of measuring instruments
National level programme on Quality Control in Fish Process -g conducted with the assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization

2023

1967

Publication of the First Ceylon Standard, CS: 1 Primary cells in the A5 size and the colour chosen for the cover of the standard was grey
BCS admitted as a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
BCS participated at the “Siyawasa” National Exhibition held to commemorate the 100th year of the establishment of the Education Department
Establishment of a reference collection of National Standards from other National Standards Bodies

2022

2022 Minimum Energy Performance certification for Refrigerator was initiated.
2022 Minimum Energy Performance certification for Refrigerator was initiated.
Performing pesticide analysis in product category of water as per the National and International standard using Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS)
Performing volatile profile analysis in product category of Toddy sample as per the Laboratory developed method using Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
Establishing and Initiating facilities for analysis of Sugar profiles in fermented alcoholic beverages & sugar based natural products such as Treacle, jaggary & honey.
Initiating facilities for obtaining Fatty Acid Profile in Oil, milk powder for detection and quantification of adulteration GC with FID and Refractometer
Initiation of testing of Fish, Vibrio cholera, Rice Microscopic examination of spices.
Expansion of lab accreditation scope for Fertilizer,

Compost made from municipal solid waste (SLS 1634:2019)
Compost made from raw materials of agricultural origin (SLS 1635:2019)
Compost for organic agriculture (SLS 1684:2020)
Liquid organic fertilizer (SLS 1702:2021)
Sterilized solid organic fertilizers (SLS 1704:2021)

And Food products.

Split lentils (SLS 896:2020)
Ceylon cinnamon (SLS 81:2021

Initiation of Water absorption test (Vacuum method) for Ceramic tiles by establishing the Vacuum chamber to determine water absorption value of ceramic tiles.
Establishment of Universal Testing Machine 10 KN (Testometric Brand) and initiation of testing facilities for Button and zipper testing of garments.
Conducted a webinar to commemorate the World Standards Day on the of “Shared Vision for a Better World” with participation of Mr Mitsuo Matsumoto as the keynote speaker.
Conducting of the Sri Lanka National Quality Award (2019 and 2020) with the participation of the state minister honorable Kanaka Herath as the chief guest.

2021

Upgrading the existing ICP-MS system with Speciation facility that is coupled with HPLC due to the requirement arose to analyze Inorganic Arsenic in canned fish by the Residual Analysis Unit of the chemical laboratory.
Performing alcohol analysis in product categories of Hand sanitizer, cologne and Alcoholic beverages as per the National and International standard using Gas Chromatography – Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID)
Establishing and Initiating facilities for testing of caffeinated beverages, coffee & tea for Caffeine and for analysis of Mycotoxins (Aflatoxins & Ochratoxins) in food and agricultural products such as Spices, nuts & oils, flour& flour based products, cereals & pulses and animal feed by UHPLC.
Initiation of testing of Antimicrobial activity of textile material –AATCC 147-2004, Organic Fertilizer, Cinnamon , Dhal and, Ayurvedic Products.
Expansion of lab accreditation scope for Cosmetics

Baby Cologne (SLS 589:2018)
Skin Powder (SLS 389:2014)
Skin cream and lotion for baby (SLS a.742:2014)
Skin cream and lotion (SLS 743:2014)
Hair shampoo (SLS 1346:2018)
Tooth paste (SLS 743:2014)
Hair cream (SLS 611:2014)
Hair shampoo for babies (SLS 1342:2018)
Shaving cream (SLS 796)
Baby oil (SLS 1191)

And Food products.

Coco based confectionary (SLS 1509:2015)
Coconut oil (SLS 32:2017)
Instant Hopper Mix (SLS 1631:2019)
Infant Formula (SLS 651:2007)
Aqueous Coconut Products Part 1 Coconut milk (SLS 1365 Part 1:2009)
Aqueous Coconut Products Part 2 Coconut cream and paste (SLS 1365 Part 2:2009)

The laboratory accreditation scope was expanded for the test methods of

Aerobic Measophilic Bacteria In Cosmetics – SLS 1349: 2018(ISO 21149:2017)
Yeast and Moulds In Cosmetics – SLS 1445: 2018 (ISO 16212:2017)
Candida albicans in Cosmetics – SLS 1488: 2016 (ISO 21149:2017)
Aerobic Plate Count/ml at 37 ºC in Water – SLS 1461 Part 2 Section 1(ISO 6222:1999)
Yeast Count /g and Mould Count /g – In Dairy products- SLS 1558 Part 1: 2017

Initiation of testing of Composite tea sacks for bulk tea packaging for export purposes as per SLS 1548:2016
Conducted a webinar to commemorate the World Standards Day on the of “Shared Vision for a Better World”

2020

Establishment of mercury analysis by Direct Mercury Analyzer for the product categories of Fertilizers (organic, inorganic & compost), food items, cosmetics items and soil using EPA test methods.
Establishment of metal analysis by Arc / Spark Optical Emmision Spectriphotometer (Metal Analyzer) for analysis metal composition in all Fe base products, Cu base / Cu alloys , Al Base / Al alloys (Al utensils), Zn base products using test method.
Performing trace and Heavy metal analysis in product categories of water, Waste water, Food & agricultural products, Fertilizer and Cosmetics as per the National and International standard using Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) with very lower detection limit instrument. (0.001 ppm for each element)
Obtaining the laboratory accreditation status for Photometry testing.
Facilities established and Initiated and expanded the laboratory scope for testing of fruits, vegetables & agriculture based products and beverages for Benzoic acid and Sorbic acid (preservatives) by UHPLC.
Initiation of testing of hand sanitizer and for the microbial species of Candida albicans, Listeria monocytogenes
Establishment of Whole Shoe Flexing Tester and Diaper Absorptive Capacity Tester
to determine Flexing resistance of shoes as per SATRA STM 184 and to determine absorptive capacity of diapers respectively.

2019

The Laboratory Quality Management System was transferred from the existing ISO 17025:2005 to the new version 17025:2017.
Minimum Energy Performance certification for Computers was initiated.
Establishment of Laser table and initiating the testing of Measurement of shell extension of protective helmets.
Establishment of moist-air chamber for curing of cement motor prism.
Establishment of vacuum chamber for testing of water absorption of ceramic tiles.
Establishment of Abrasion Resistance Tester to determine abrasion resistance of rubber & thermoplastic products as per ISO 4649
Establishment of Bursting Strength Tester to determine Bursting Strength of Textiles, Paper & Boards as per ISO 2758, ISO 2759, ISO 3303, ISO 13938-1.
Establishment of Sole Adhesion Tester to determine upper to sole adhesion strength of shoes as per BS 5131: section 5.1, SATRA TM 404.
Calibration activities are expanded in the fields of length, mass, and volume using donations given by UNIDO.
Initiation of the testing of metal block bath in the field of temperature and obtaining the laboratory accreditation status.
Conducting a training programme on calibration to government testing laboratory coordinated by UNIDO.
Initiation of the testing following test methods achieved accreditation status fields.

Length

– Calibration of test sieve of metal wire cloth

– Calibration of test sieve of perforated metal plate

Force

– Calibration of torque wrenches

Expansion of accreditation scope Calibration of Vernier caliper (range extended up to 600mm)
conducted a training program on temperature mapping for WHO in the Maldives.
Conducting of the Sri Lanka national Quality Awards (2017 and 2018) and Launching of the National Quality Policy with the participation of the president, HE Maithripala Sirisena.
Conducted a symposium on Export Excellence through Services of the SLSI.

2018

Energy Efficiency Rating certification scheme for Electric Ceiling Fan was initiated.
Establishment of Cement mortar prism curing (Air) (Air conditioning chamber)
Establishment of helmet testing equipment for testing of Protective helmets for vehicle users
Initiation of testing of Kraft liner board sacks for bulk tea packaging for export purposes as per SLS 1474:2013
Initiation of testing of Multiwall paper sacks for bulk tea packaging for export purposes as per SLS 1492:2014

2017

Establishment of Automated cement mixer (Two units of automated cement mixing machines)
for testing of cement.
Establishment of the Laboratory conditioning unit in textile laboratory to condition samples and facilitate testing under specified atmospheric condition.
Conducting of Sri Lanka National Quality Award Ceremony – 2016 with the participation of the president, HE Maithripala Sirisena.

2016

Minimum Energy Performance certification for integral type LED General lamp was initiated.

2015

Laboratory accreditation scope is expanded in the fields of Length (micrometer & Caliper), Temperature (temperature mapping of temperature-controlled enclosures) and Force (pressure gauge).
Conducting of an inter school art competition to commemorate the World Standards Day.

2014

Expansion of Import Inspection Scheme with the addition of new items making the total number of items to 123.
Wining of the best CEO award by the DG/CEO, SLSI among 15 institutions covering under the Ministry of Technology & Research.
Commencement of an operational unit under the Import Inspection Scheme, at the Rank Container Terminal(RCT) yard, Orugodawatte.
Opening up of a counter at “One Stop Shop” of the Custom House to advice the public on issues related to the Compulsory Import Inspection Scheme.
Introduction of a Vidatha certification scheme for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs).
Establishing of an Alumni Association of Diploma Holders.
Conducting an all island art competition to select a picture for the stamp for the first day cover.
Installing an ATM machine of Bank of Ceylon at the SLSI premises.
Completion of 50 years of SLSI services to the nation.
Issue of a first day stamp cover to mark the 50th Anniversary of SLSI.
Conducting an interprovincial Quiz Programme among school children.
Introduction of a flag for SLSI.
Introduction of a theme song for SLSI.
Initiation of action to revise the National Quality Policy of Sri Lanka.
Organizing a Quality – 2014 exhibition to mark the 50th Anniversary.

2013

A “Quality Walk” was held to mark the World Quality Month.
Appointment of DG as the Chairman of ISO DEVCO – Policy Committee for developing countries.
Introduction of a scheme for certification of vegetarian establishments.

2012

Launching of “Super Market Certification Scheme’ & ISO 50001- Energy Management Certification Scheme.
Appointment of DG to the Board of Governors of SAARC standards Board – SARSO.

2011

Implementation of an agricultural based certification scheme known as “UTZ” certification covering the Tea Sector.
Publication of the quarterly magazines namely “Q-Sri Lanka”, “ Pramithi Puwath” and “ Pramithiyai Obai” on quality and standardization related activities.
Strengthening of Materials Laboratory by obtaining ISO 17025 Laboratory Accreditation form the Swedish Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment (SWEDAC).
SLSI became aself funded organization.
A training programme on ‘food safety certification” was conducted for a team of officials from Cambodia Standards Institution.

2010

Strengthening of Food Laboratory by obtaining ISO 17025 Laboratory Accreditation from the Swedish Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment(SWEDAC) & from the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment (SLAB).
Implementation of a product certification scheme for Black Tea jointly with Sri Lanka Tea Board.

2009

Strengthening of Metrology Division by obtaining ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation for force, mass & temperature calibrations from the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment(SLAB).
Strengthening of System Certification by obtaining accreditation for QMS, EMS, HACCP &FSMS from the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessments(SLAB).

2008

Introduction of Global Gap Certification Scheme to cover Agriculture Sector Products.
Declaring the SLS Mark mandatory by the Consumer Affairs Authority for ribbed steel bars & plain steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete manufactured/processed in Sri Lanka and for imported ribbed steel bars & plain steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete.
Strengthening of the Scheme of Registration of Overseas Manufacturers by introducing “on-site” audits to the said plants.
Entering into international standardization Policy Committee for developing countries by nominating DG to function as a member of DEVCO- Policy Committee for developing Countries.
Establishment of a separate Division to handle Product Certification activities.

2007

Strengthening of Chemical Laboratory and Microbiology Laboratory by obtaining ISO 17025 Laboratory Accreditation from the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment (SLAB).
Strengthening of System Certification by obtaining accreditation for ISO 14000 Environmental Management System Certification Scheme from the RaadVoor Accreditation – Dutch Accreditation Council (RVA), Netherlands.
Declaring the SLS Mark mandatory by the Consumer Affairs Authority for cement, manufactured/processed in Sri Lanka and for imported cement with effect from January 2008.
Visiting of the Secretary General of International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

2006

Recognition of SLSI by the Ministry of Health by signing an MoU, to make technical recommendations under the Bottled water registration scheme operated by the Ministry.
Expansion of the “ Import Inspection Scheme” with the addition of 18 items, making the total number of items to 102.

2005

Implementation of OHSAS 18001 certification scheme.
Introduction of a distance learning programme.
Strengthening of Quality System Certification Scheme by obtaining accreditation for two more scope sectors (financial and education) from the Dutch Accreditation Council (RVA), Netherlands.

2004

Strengthening of Quality System Certification Scheme by obtaining accreditation for one more scope sector (construction) from the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA), Netherlands.

2002

Strengthening of Chemical Laboratory and Microbiology Laboratory by obtaining ISO 17025 Laboratory Accreditation from the Swedish Board for Accreditation and conformity Assessment (SWEDAC)

2001

Expansion of the “Import Inspection Scheme” with the addition of 27 items, making the total number of items to 84
Introduction of the ‘GMP Scheme” for food processing establishments
Establishment of Local Area Network (LAN) and an intranet “DOCSERVER” to facilitate sharing of information and resources among the different Divisions of the Institution

2000

Under the UNIDO Integrated Industrial Support Programme assistant received for the supply of Laboratory and office equipment, EMS development programme and Laboratory accreditation
SLSI expands its services to the industry by establishing two separate Divisions viz Metrology and Marketing & Promotion
Official launching of the National Quality Policy Programme for the promotion and development of quality infrastructure in Sri Lanka
Launching of the ISO, HACCP Programme for the improvement of quality and safety in food processing establishments
A further 24 items to be brought under the Import Inspection Scheme
Introduction of an Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme
ISO nominates Director General SLSI as the Regional Liaison Officer to represent South and Central Asia
A cafeteria opened at SLSI
Launching of 5S practices at the SLSI and holding of an inter divisional 5S Competition
A programme commenced to certify Standardization Division & Documentation & Information Division of SLSI against ISO 9000 Quality System Certification Scheme
To mark the World Standards Day an essay competition held among the staff entitled “How the Institution could improve its services further” A public seminar held at BMICH to mark 35 Years of service to the nation
SLSI completes the certification of 95 companies under the SLSI Quality System Certification Scheme

1999

An ISO 9000 seminar organized to mark the awarding of 50 certificates to ISO 9000 system certified companies
Official handling over of laboratory equipment donated by the Government of Japan
HACCP Auditor Training Programme for the Food Processing sector undertaken with assistance under the EU Project
Training of SLSI staff and external personnel as SLNQA examiners with USAID assistance
Housing of all SLSI Divisions at the Head Officer Complex at Narahenpita with the completion of Stage II Phase II of the Building Project
Additional post of Deputy Director General, post of Director (System Certification) and post of Director (Training) filled with the approval of the revised Corporate Plan (1998-2002)
Initiatives taken to set up a Benchmarking Information Centre
Procedures written for the implementation of the Environmental Management System (EMS) standards

1998

For the first time SLSI elected to the Council of the ISO
The Institution recorded the highest income of LKR 32 million from its services to the business community
With the completion of the Building Project Stage II Phase I, the Head Office was shifted to the new building
Setting up of the National Accreditation Board approved by the Cabinet of Ministers
A meeting of representatives from Standards Institution of the countries of the Indian Ocean Rim (I0R) was held in Colombo to develop greater cooperation in standards related activities
A Quest for excellence Programme conducted to share the experience of the SLNQA winners

1997

Through financial assistance provided the British Government a group of 20 SLSI officers trained as Assessors for the implementation of ISO 14000 standards in Sri Lanka
A 09 day Training programme and 01 day seminar in TQM conducted by the Sandholm Associates of Sweden which was attended by 160 participants
For the first time SLSI undertook a ISO 9000 Consultant Development programme with the participation Of 35 senior Managers from public and private sector institutions and private consultants
The SLS Product Certification Scheme reorganized with the inclusion of requirements of ISO 9000 standards made compulsory for the grant of the license
A vigorous campaign undertake for the promotion of the SLS Mark among the consumers
Dial up connectivity to Internet and a home page development for the SLSI to market SLSI services
Approval of the National Quality Policy Statement by the Cabinet of Ministers for the promotion and development of Quality infrastructure in Sri Lanka
34 Executive staff trained in foreign countries on integrated standardization activities

1996

The Institution was accredited as a Certification body by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) in Netherlands giving international recognition for its systems certification activities
Under the Japanese Grant Aid LKR 240 million worth testing and calibration equipment was donated to the Institution
A project to strengthen the Quality Infrastructure in Sri Lanka was launched with the assistance of the Swedish Development Agency (SIDA)
Under the EC- Sri Lanka Cooperation programme, a project proposal to obtain consultants and experts from EC countries in the field of standardization certification and quality management was approved

1995

Initiatives taken to obtain accreditation status for ISO 9000 system certification from the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) from Netherlands
Negotiations carried out towards entering into MoUs with National Standards Bodies with a view to certifying of consignment covered under the mandatory Import Inspection Scheme
SLSI designated as the National Enquiry point for technical regulations under the WTO/TBT Agreement
Action initiated for the preparation of a National Quality Policy for Sri Lanka with expertise drawn from public and private sector organizations and the Industry
A Service organization selected as the First Sri Lanka National Quality Award Winner
Through World Bank assistance a networked computer system and a DTP facility was commissioned

1994

Hosting of the 12th Meeting of N A M Coordinating Countries and 6th meeting of NAM Expert Group in the sphere of Standardization ’Measurement and Quality Control (SMQC) from 17-21 January 1994 in Colombo
To establish the Sri Lanka Association for Quality, an association of quality professionals
Initiation of a Library Membership Scheme for public and private sector enterprises
Initiation of National Standardization activities in the field of Information Technology
Launching of the SLSI Quality System Certification Scheme as per ISO9000 series of standards where 04 companies were assessed and against the standards
Launching of the Sri Lanka National Quality Awards Programme to recognize Institutions which excel in Quality Management Practices
Stage I of the Building Project to house the entire Laboratory was completed during the course of the year and satisfactory progress made with regard to Stage II of the Project
A preliminary agreement signed under the Japanese Grant Aid project for the infrastructure development of the Laboratory Services

History