42 of 64 MUSSD laboratories not functioning properly: Review meeting told

Colombo, May 27 (Daily Mirror) - Forty-two out of the 64 laboratories under the Measurement Units, Standards and Services Department (MUSSD) are currently not functioning properly, officials were informed at a progress review meeting held at the department in Homagama.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardena, Secretary to the Ministry K.A. Wimalenthirarajah, Minister’s Private Secretary Wasantha Dissanayake, Director of MUSSD S.N. Akuranthilaka, and senior officials.

The review focused on the institution’s 2026 action plan and the progress of ongoing projects, with particular emphasis on MUSSD’s role in ensuring consumer safety and confidence through services such as market weighing and measuring, laboratory testing, and support for agricultural activities.

During the discussions, officials highlighted delays in the proposed power laboratory project and several other laboratory development initiatives. The Minister instructed relevant officers to expedite the completion of these projects within specified timeframes.

Minister Samarasinghe highlighted the importance of ensuring the efficient use of public funds for the benefit of citizens and assured that the Ministry would extend all necessary support to strengthen the technical capacity of the department.

He also expressed concern over alleged irregularities involving some officers and stressed the need to restore public trust in the institution. In this regard, he directed that a special investigation unit be established by July 15 as a pilot project in the Colombo District.

Following the meeting, officials inspected laboratory facilities and issued instructions for urgent maintenance work in identified units.