The Government Analyst’s Department has received a range of modern forensic testing equipment aimed at further strengthening its DNA testing capacity and expediting the analysis of biological evidence.
The equipment, provided with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was officially handed over this morning (15) at the premises of the Government Analyst’s Department in Battaramulla.
UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Azusa Kubota handed over the equipment to Government Analyst Kamini Perera in the presence of Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara.
The equipment includes an RT-PCR machine, a PCR system and Crime Lite serology kits, among other specialised forensic testing instruments.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the scientific basis of the judicial process by enabling the accurate identification and analysis of biological evidence.
Authorities expect the enhanced capacity to improve the accuracy and reliability of forensic DNA analysis and help reduce delays in court proceedings.
A special discussion was also held today on the progress of issuing Government Analyst’s reports and the introduction of modern testing facilities at the department.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said steps had been taken to ensure that forensic reports relating to drug cases are issued within a period of less than three months.
He said measures were also being taken to fill existing staff vacancies at the Government Analyst’s Department and accelerate testing procedures through the provision of modern equipment and the chemicals required for forensic examinations.
