GS1 Lanka marked its 10th Annual General Meeting with a focus on the next stage of product identification in Sri Lanka, as businesses prepare for the wider adoption of 2D barcodes and the growing demand for trusted product information.
Addressing the AGM, GS1 Lanka President Revan Fernando noted that GS1 has been giving Sri Lankan products a globally recognised identity for more than 30 years. He pointed to the shift from traditional barcodes to 2D barcodes as the next major step, particularly as consumers increasingly look beyond a product’s identity to information they can trust about its origin, ingredients, authenticity and use.
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is a global industry initiative aiming to transition retail checkout systems to read 2D barcodes such as QR codes and Data Matrix codes alongside traditional 1D UPC stripes by the end of 2027
Under its Sunrise 2027 initiative, GS1 Lanka is working with the retail and healthcare sectors to prepare businesses for the transition to 2D barcodes. Unlike a conventional barcode used at checkout, a GS1 QR code can also connect consumers to a wider range of product information and support traceability and product verification through GS1 standards.
Fernando also called on brands to get involved in the transition, noting that the change will require businesses to rethink how they use the limited space on product packaging and how they communicate with consumers. GS1 Lanka will also introduce a new retail information platform to help member brands provide richer product information and improve the presentation of their products to consumers.
GS1 Lanka CEO Alikie Perera said the organisation’s work is increasingly focused on helping Sri Lankan businesses keep pace with changes in global supply chains and consumer expectations. The next phase will place greater emphasis on 2D barcodes, GS1 Digital Link, traceability and digital product information, as businesses prepare for a more connected and information-rich marketplace.
At the local level, GS1 Lanka continued its awareness programmes for entrepreneurs, SMEs, manufacturers and exporters, covering product identification, barcode standards, traceability, supply chain efficiency and market access. The organisation has also seen growing adoption of GS1 Activate and Verified by GS1, with more than 5,500 member companies registered on the platforms and over 20,000 product records uploaded.
The AGM concluded with a recognition of the contribution of GS1 Lanka’s members, partners, Board and team, while setting the direction for the organisation’s continued work to bring global standards and new product identification technologies into wider use among Sri Lankan businesses.