Plans to utilize accreditation process well to boost export sector

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Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasighe said that it has been planned to well utilize the process of accreditation to boost the export sector and increase export income.

He made these remarks while addressing an event held to mark the 20th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB) coinciding with the World Accreditation Day 2025 in Colombo on Monday (9). The Minister added that the exporters can enter international markets with total confidence while well utilizing the accreditation process, which ensures the quality of the products and services the exporters offer.

“Accreditation is not just a technical process but a process of increasing trust in our products to reach new global markets. The SLAB will give fullest support to exporters to get their products certified as high quality,” he added. Besides, accreditation paves the way for empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of the country, which is considered the backbone of the economy. The World Accredit Day is focusing on how SMEs are essential to the global economy, driving innovation, creating jobs and supporting local communities. Accreditation is a third-party attestation that demonstrates a conformity assessment body’s competence to carry out specific tasks. It provides formal recognition that an organization meets international standards for technical competence, impartiality, and consistent operation.

The SLAB, which operates under the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development is the National Accreditation Authority of Sri Lanka established under the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment Act No. 32 of 2005, serving as Sri Lanka’s official gateway to International recognition through accreditation.

Principally, SLAB has the responsibility to promote accreditation activities and preside over the necessary accreditation services to facilitate conformity assessments in the provision of goods and services for domestic and export markets. Currently, many accreditation schemes are operated by SLAB.

SLAB is recognized as a partner of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) of International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. Moreover, SLAB is a recognized partner of Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) of International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) for Certification bodies certifying Management Systems. Hence. The test reports, inspection reports, calibration reports, certificates and statements housed by SLAB accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies are globally recognized.