Vitharana says local products must get international standards

Minister of Science and Technology Tissa Vitharana has emphasized that local products should obtain international bench marks such as ISO standards to compete in the international market.

Citing an example he said that Japan has explored the world market through its efficiency and international quality standards. He was speaking at the National Productivity and National Quality Awards 2006 ceremony organized by the National Productivity Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Standards Institution in Colombo.

He added that local companies should establish themselves in the local market by producing high quality goods before venturing into the overseas market. The Sri Lanka National Quality Award ceremony is an annual award giving ceremony organised by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution. Applicant organisations for selection have been evaluated based on seven aspects which include Leadership, Strategic Planning, Customer and Market Force, Measurement, Analysis and Knowledge Management, Human Resource Focus, Process Management and Business Results. Secretary General of Asian Productivity Organization Shigeo Takenaka noted that “Sri Lanka has been one of the main contributors of the Asia Productivity Organization’s activities.’ He expressed the belief that people in the North and East will soon contribute to the national economy trophies and certificates were awarded to Kelani Cables Ltd and Comfort wear (Pvt) Ltd in the large scale manufacturing sector, Prasara Washing Plant (Pvt) Ltd in the medium-scale service and Suntel Ltd and the General Hospital in Ampara in the large scale service sector.

Uni Dil Packaging limited and Hidaramani Mercury Apparel (Pvt) Ltd of Seethawaka in the large-scale manufacturing, Premium Export Ceylon Limited in the medium-scale manufacturing and Taj Exotica in the large-scale service sector received Merit Certificates.