The sectors that come under the legal background and regulatory activities are known as the Legal Metrology. It therefore concerns the measurements and measuring instruments for the protection of health, public safety, the environment, enable taxation, protection of consumers and fair trade; having these in mind maintaining the law and order in respect to measurements.

The subject matter that is connected to the legal metrology activities that are undertaken by the Measurement Units, Standards and Services Department are clearly defined in the law and order regulations that are specified on this subject.

This empowers the department to regulate the Legal Measurement Systems in the following areas:-

1. Comparison of the standards in use and conduct verification centers at district basis.


2. Verification of weighing and measurement instruments initially and then the continued inspection.


3. Administer the producers, repairers of the weighing and measurement instruments which are used in trade.


4. By the implementation of penalties that are set out in the law, protection of the consumers.


5. Educating the consumers of the legality of the measurement system.


6. Giving approval to patterns used for weighing and measuring equipments used in trade and industry.


7. Monitoring and controlling of pre-packed commodities.


8. Mandatory calibration of measuring equipments used in road safety, environmental protection and health sectors.

Measurement units, unit parts and establishment of larger parts, invent new measurement systems, acquire the knowledge of measurement standards and by implementing the standards of such standards; pervade such activities through the users all over, are the subject matter that is relevant to this subject. Having to know of the errors in the system and the impact that arises by rectifying the subject matter and the ongoing subject matters will also be included in the science based scientific measurement group. Some of the basic principles that have to be followed in order to undertake scientifically based scientific measurements are as follows:

1. Establishment of National Measurement Laboratory and through which establish national measurement systems of the country.
2. Realization, establishment, updating, maintenance and dissemination of National Measurement Standards.
3. In conformity with the international standards, establish and implement national measurement standards.
4. Dissemination of the required measurements and technology standards to various fields of activity and take progressive measures.
5. In order to stably carry out the national measurement system, to undertake required numbering system and research laboratory standardization.
6. Dissemination of training in regard to science measurements technology, consultancy services and dissemination of advice in solving the disputes arising out of measurements.

Address : Pitipana, Mahenawatta, Homagama

General Number : +94-11-2182250

Fax : +94-11-2182259

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