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, HACCPProgramme 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 (IOR) 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 0f 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 exper tise 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 ISO 9000 series of standards where 04 companies were assessed and certified 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.

1993

• The SLS Mark was declared compulsory for twelve (12) items under the Consumer Protection ACT, No. 1 of 1979.
• A further 32 items were brought under Import Inspection Scheme totaling the number of items covered to 56.
• Four applications received from the industry for ISO 9000 certification.

1992

• A branch Office was established at Kurunegala, to assist the industries in the region to improve the quality of their products and services.
• The new Laboratory complex of the SLSI commenced operations where 03 units shifted to the new premises.
• A Building Consultant was appointed to work on the Stage II of the Building project.
• Technical assistance was provided to small and medium scale industries to upgrade their products under the Industrial Development Project (III) funded by the World Bank.
• A further 12 items were brought under the Import Inspection Scheme totaling the products covered to 24 items.
• The “Rules and Procedures” for implementing the System certification Scheme as per ISO 9000 Standards were initiated and action taken to train Provisional Assessors under the Registration Scheme for assessors of quality systems operated by the IQA of UK.

1991

• A preliminary industrial survey conducted to assist industries under World Bank Assistance Programme.
• Imports of twelve items monitored under the Import Inspection Scheme.
• Under the UNDP Project, assistance obtained to develop laboratory accreditation and metrology activities.

1990

• Inclusion of protective helmets for vehicle users and brown sugar into the list of items brought under the Import Inspection Scheme.
• Inauguration of a Diploma Course in Quality Management.

1988

• SLSI being the National Registration Centre for QC Circles, registered the rst two circle.
• Presentation of awards to the winner of the Inter-school Handbook competition at BMICH.
• National level Quiz Programme titled “Obai Pramithiyai” broadcast to educate school children on standardization, quality control and consumerism.
• Participation of three ofcers from industry in the People's Republic of China in a training programme on Standardization and Quality Control sponsored by the World Bank.

1987

• Introduction of Consumer Education Circles in schools, encompassing approximately 25,000 students in the (Advanced Level) Commerce stream to popularize the concept of consumerism. An Inter-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 Processing conducted with the assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization.

1986

• Import Inspection Scheme implemented to ensure the quality of imported products introduced into the market under the liberalized import policies. The items covered are canned fish, condensed milk, fruit cordials/concentrates/ready to serve drinks, switches, socket outlets and plugs, lampholders, electric bulbs, hotplates.
• Quality inspection of fertilizer imports commenced at the request of the National Fertilizer Secretariat.

1984

• BCS Act. No.38 of 1964 repealed by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) Act No. 6 of 1984 to widen the scope of activities and powers of the Institution.
• Acceptance of the Textile Testing unit of the laboratory as an approved testing laboratory by the International Wool Secretariat (IWS).

1983

• First workshop on Quality Control in Shrimp Processing held with the assistance of INFOFISH, the Regional-body of Fish Processing Quality Control in South East Asia.
• Workshop on organoleptic assessment of quality of seafood conducted in collaboration with the US Food & Drug Administration.
• First consultancy assignment on quality improvement undertaken by BCS.
• Training programme on Quality Control for Industry held under sponsorship on UNIDO/SIDA and Alirati Training Centre of Sweden.

1982

• Introduction of the first stage of Pre-shipment Inspection of cinnamon quills and registration of cinnamon dealers as a pre requisite to export of cinnamon.
• Establishment of a new unit for marine products and projects to strengthen the Pre-shipment Inspection Scheme.
• First public seminar to create an awareness on consumer protection.
• Inclusion of Standardization and Quality control as a component in the national educational curriculum in the field of Commerce.
• UNDP/UNIDO project on development of Standardization and Quality Control inaugurated.
• Development of separate sections for Electrical testing, Textile testing and Microbiological testing within the Laboratory Division.
• BCS hosted a ISO/TC 157 meeting on Mechanical contraceptives in Colombo.

1981

• Appointment of Bureau laboratory by M/s Underwriter Laboratories of the USA as their accredited testing and inspection agency in Sri Lanka for the use of the UL mark.
• Setting up of a Maintenance unit for the repair and maintenance of instruments in the Laboratory.
• Bureau hosted the Regional Seminar on Standardization and Quality Control sponsored by ISO.
• Publication of “Paribhogika Puwath” the journal on consumer education.
• Bureau launched a National Quality Promotional Campaign under the guidance of two quality experts from Japan, deputed by the Asian Productivity Organization.
• Setting up of the Education and Training Unit and move to new premises at Vidya Mandiraya, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7.
• Workshop on consumer education conducted for senior educationists of the Department of Education.

1980

Establishment of the Printing Unit to cater to the printing needs of the Bureau, and publicity activity brought under this unit.

1979

BCS had the privilege of welcoming the then ISO Secretary General, Mr Olle Sturen.

1978

BCS hosted for the first time, two committee meetings of ISO/TC 34 on Spices and condiments (SC7) and on Tea (SC 8) in Colombo.

1977

Bureau participated in ISO/TC 45 meeting on Rubber and Rubber Products held in Czechoslovakia. Sri Lanka represented at ISO Information Network (ISONET) Symposium.

1976

Sesame brought under compulsory Pre-export Inspection Scheme.

1975

• Registration of the three processing establishments of prawns and lobsters under the scheme of Pre-export Inspection of marine products.
• First workshop in grading of cocoa beans and cardamoms.

1974

• Launching of the Pre-export Inspection Scheme where standards for several commodities were enforced mandatory under this scheme. The commodities inspected were cocoa beans, whole black pepper, nutmeg and mace, cardamoms and cloves. Bureau recognized as the Central Certifying Authority to operate this Scheme.
• Registration of Establishments for processing of marine products under the Pre-export Inspection Scheme.
• BCS hosted Dr N M Chopra, Director of Technical Co-ordination of ISO Central Secretariat. The purpose of his visit was to discuss the role of standardization in developing countries. His visit resulted in the Council of BCS deciding to actively pursue the adoption of ISO standards and other national standards wherever possible.
• The Laboratory Services Division of the Bureau moved to a more spacious venue at Wellawatte, with the expansion of its activities.
• A seminar on Quality Control in relation to minor agricultural crops and food items held at the Bandraranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH)
• BSC represented at the meeting of the sub committee on stimulant food ISO/TC 34 (SS/5) spices and condiments held in New Delhi, India.
• Council of the Bureau recommended to the Minister of Industries and Scientific Affairs that the name of the BCS be changed to Sri Lanka Standards Institution with a view to streamlining the activities of Bureau.
• First programme on Industrial Standardization and Quality Control at Technical Level.

1973

BCS embarked on training by holding the first training programme on Industrial Standardization and Quality Control for personnel at middle management level. Topics relating to quality, standardization and statistical methods discussed with twenty one participants from the industry.

1972

• BCS shared the pride of presenting the report of the National Metrication Board, when the Board presented its report on Metrication in Sri Lanka to the then Minister of industries and Scientific Affairs. The report was prepared and finalized by BCS.
• Bureau participated in ISO/TC 126 meeting on Tobacco products held in Paris.

1971

Regulations governing the standardization Marks Scheme were framed and gazetted Standards were made compulsory for Safety Razor Blades and Asbestos Cement Sheets.

1970

• BCS moved into a more spacious premises at No. 53, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 7.
• Publication of the “Standards News” the official organ of BCS, to coincide with World Standards Day, which was concurrently celebrated by ISO and the BCS for the first time.
• BCS participated in the activities of ISO as a participating member in two Technical Committees and as an observer member in ten Technical Committees.
• The testing necessary for the formulation of standards done at the Government Analyst’s Department, City Analyst’s Laboratory and the Ceylon Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (CISIR).
• Subsequently the establishment of a Laboratory at BSC with the objective of providing the necessary test data for the development of National Standards, Testing of Food and Chemical products, and Materials, the major activity at this time in the laboratory located at Vauxhall Street, Colombo.
• Cabinet of Ministers issued a directive for setting up a National Metrication Board for the transition to the Metric System on the recommendation of the Metrication Report prepared by the Bureau.

1969

BCS admitted as a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Establishment of a reference collection of National Standards from other National Standards Bodies.

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 gray

1966

• Recruitment of Messrs G M S de Silva and Douglas Pandita as the first Standards Officers to undertake work on standards formulation.
• Establishment of the Library with an embryonic collection of Indian and other miscellaneous standards acquired from the then Ministry of Industries and Fisheries, at the Bureau premises at Vajira Road, Colombo. The primary role of the Library was to render a supporting service to the formulation of standards.
• Supplementation of the existing collection by a complete set of British Standards donated by the British High Commission. Secondment of Dr. R. C. De Silva from the Ministry of Industries to serve in BCS with the main objective of organizing its work.

1965

Commencement of the operations of the National Standards Body. The members of the first Council were Mr B D Rampala (Chairman) and Mr R G de S Wettimuni (Director) with Mr Harischandra Wijayatunge as the first and the only member appointed to the staff, functioning as its Secretary. The first Council meeting was held at the Ministry of Industries with the then Hon. Minister of Industries presiding. During this time the Bureau operated from its office at the premises of the Ceylon Plywoods Corporation. Appointment of the Divisional Committees on Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agriculture and Chemicals, and Metrication.

1964

Establishment of the Bureau of Ceylon Standards (BCS) by an Act of Parliament to function as the National Standards Body, and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.