Sri Lanka DNA laboratory receives critical forensic equipment from UNDP and Canada

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has provided 17 pieces of critical forensic equipment to the Government Analyst Department in Sri Lanka to enhance DNA laboratory capabilities. Funded by the Government of Canada, the initiative is part of the ‘Ensuring Justice for Victim Survivors of SGBV in Sri Lanka’ project, implemented alongside UNFPA Sri Lanka.

The new technology, which includes an RT-PCR machine, a PCR system, and a Crime Lite Serology Kit, aims to improve the detection, analysis, and profiling of biological evidence. This is intended to strengthen the scientific basis of judicial proceedings, particularly regarding sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and other crimes, while helping to clear existing case backlogs.

Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara noted that the government is working to address delays in forensic reporting. To support this, approximately 70 personnel are being recruited to fill vacancies within the Government Analyst Department, and efforts are underway to ensure forensic reports for drug cases are issued within three months to prevent impacts on detainee bail processes.