The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has handed over 17 pieces of critical equipment to strengthen the DNA laboratory of Sri Lanka’s Government Analyst’s Department under an initiative funded by the Government of Canada.
The equipment includes an RT-PCR machine, PCR system and Crime Lite Serology Kit and is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of forensic analysis involving sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and other crimes.
The assistance was provided under UNDP’s “Ensuring Justice for Victim Survivors of SGBV in Sri Lanka” project, funded by the Government of Canada and jointly implemented with UNFPA Sri Lanka.
UNDP Sri Lanka Resident Representative Azusa Kubota handed over the equipment to Government Analyst Kamani Perera in the presence of Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara and Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Isabelle Martin in Colombo.
According to UNDP, the equipment was procured following a comprehensive study of the DNA laboratory’s existing processes.
The new technology is intended to improve the detection, analysis and profiling of biological evidence and strengthen the accuracy, reliability and evidentiary value of forensic DNA analysis.
UNDP said the equipment would also contribute to clearing the existing backlog of cases and accelerating the administration of justice.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Nanayakkara said the government was taking steps to address delays in forensic reports, which had become a significant issue in the justice system.
He said around 70 personnel were being recruited after the Government Analyst’s Department had 118 vacancies when the current government took office. Officers were also working until around 10 p.m. in an effort to expedite reports.
The minister said measures were being taken to issue forensic reports relating to drug cases within three months, noting that delays in such reports had affected the ability of some detainees to seek bail.
Nanayakkara also said the government was moving to amend existing drug laws to allow suspects to seek bail from the High Court where the net weight of drugs at the time of arrest is below 100 grams. (Newswire)