The Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, announced that an internationally recognized National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) System will be developed in the future.
He made this statement while participating as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the two-day workshop on Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) and Strengthening and Developing the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) System. The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with technical assistance from the European Union, and commenced yesterday at Waters Edge, Battaramulla.
Budget allocations have been made for the development of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) under the Ministry of Science and Technology for the year 2025. This initiative is expected to establish a comprehensive quality mechanism to safeguard and enhance the standards of goods and services produced in Sri Lanka, including medicines and food, while also ensuring the quality of imported and exported products. The NQI framework is structured on four fundamental layers: standards, accurate measurements, conformity, and certification.
Under the guidance and coordination of the Ministry of Science and Technology, several institutions have been identified as key contributors to this program. These include the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI), the National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERD), the Measurement Units, Standards and Services Department (MUSSD), the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB), and the Department of Textiles.
Commenting further, the Minister stated:
“Our government’s goal is to develop an export economy. In that regard, it is essential to maintain correct international standards and compliance. For this purpose, the government has allocated Rs. 750 million for the development of a quality system that is more advanced and widely recognized than the methods currently in use. Through this initiative, facilities including laboratory equipment in responsible institutions are being upgraded. Developing an effective National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) system will ensure the safety of local consumers and businesses, while creating greater demand for Sri Lankan goods and services in the competitive global market.”
The Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) workshop has been organized with the objective of reviewing the existing laws and regulations to ensure the effective utilization of provisions allocated for the NQI. It further aims to promote the use of this mechanism in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, and stakeholders. This workshop, of national importance, will play a vital role in strengthening the development of an internationally recognized NQI system in Sri Lanka. It is also intended to provide the necessary guidance to ensure that regulatory interventions remain proportionate, fair, and straightforward, avoiding unnecessary costs for businesses and consumers.
The keynote address of the workshop was delivered by Mr. Jairo Villamil-Diaz, Country Programme Manager and International Senior Specialist at UNIDO, on the theme of RIA and Good Governance. An introduction to Regulatory Impact Assessment was presented by Ms. Delia Rodrigo, International Regulatory Reform Specialist at UNIDO.
The event was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mohamed Navavi; the Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, K.A. Vimalenthirarajah; Heads and Representatives of Ministries and Departments associated with the program; representatives of local universities; private sector stakeholders; and many other distinguished participants.
