'Standardization, key to reach global market'

Priyanka KURUGALA

"Standardization is a mechanism to introduce production of small and medium scale industries to the global market, Technology and Research Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

National Quality Award winner Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Pvt) Limited Chairman Ratnapala Samaraweera, Technology and Research Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Sri Lanka Standards Institution Director General Dr. L N Senaweera and Ministry Secretary Dhara Wijethilake at the 16th Sri Lanka National Standards Awards Ceremony. Picture by Lalith C Gamage

She was addressing the 16th Sri Lanka National Standards Awards Ceremony at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall yesterday.

She said the Technology and Research Ministry has responsibility to develop the country's economy. Industry owners should be made aware of standardization.

The country has many agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits. Packing should be done properly to introduce products and by-products to the international market.

Deputy Health Minister Lalith Dissanayake said it is important to reduce taxes for hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are Sri Lankan creations. Such creations are important to transfer new technology to the present generation. The National Quality Award was won by the Maliban Biscuit Manufacturies (Pvt) Limited under category of Manufacturing -Large. CIC Agri Businesses (Pvt) Ltd and Hemas Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd won the National Quality Awards under the category of the Manufacturing-Medium.

Four Merit Awards were won by CEAT Kelani Associated Holding (Pvt) Ltd, Raigam Marketing Services (Pvt) Ltd, Logiwiz Limited and Suwiska Tea Factory under three categories. These categories are Manufacturing - Large, Services - Medium and Manufacturing - Small.

ACE International Express(Pvt) Ltd and District Secretariat - Matara won Certificates of Commendation under the category of Services - Medium.

The quarterly publication Pramathi Puwath was presented to Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.

Sri Lanka Standards Institution c\hairman Kanchana Ratwatte, Director General Dr. L N Senaweera and Deputy Director W B Meewardana also spoke.