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Join Genetech in Colombo for top molecular biology courses and internships. Get expert DNA services for parentage, disease, genetically modified food testing, animal testing, and more. Internship Programme in DNA Fingerprinting and Genetic Testing (6 Weeks) For A/L, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate Students The internship begins with the Advanced Certificate Course in Molecular Techniques for DNA Fingerprinting, followed by 4 weeks of hands-on training in our ISO 15189:2022-accredited lab. Interns work with experts in forensics, kinship testing, GMO detection, and genetic diagnostics, and complete a research project involving lab work, data analysis, and literature review. Fees: LKR 96,000 LEARN MORE Our Firm Genetech is a multi-faceted institution and our activities can be broadly categorised into the following areas: Molecular disease diagnostics DNA typing for paternity testing and forensic casework Teaching of basic to advanced molecular biology Training of personnel involved in molecular biology Genetically modified (GM) and other food testing Sex determination of birds Diagnostics of animal diseases Research in the molecular life sciences Customised biotechnology solutions Molecular biology products Read our story View our services Long term internships and research opportunities 6 weeks and upwards Customised individual programmes available CONTACT US Our Leadership Our leaders at Genetech set the policies and the strategic direction of the firm. Collaborating with each other, their knowledge and experience come together to make a positive impact for all our stakeholders - students, patients, healthcare providers and local and global communities. Dr. Maya Gunasekera Founder of Genetech (1961 - 2006) View Profile The working culture is built by leaders who believe empathy is absolutely vital. This is demonstrated by talking and listening to people, understanding what they care about, adapting to their needs and catering to what they want. Dhammika Gunasekera Owner of Genetech and Managing Trustee of Genetech Research Institute View Profile Dr. Nandika Perera Head of Forensic DNA Typing and Parentage Testing View Profile Samudi Mohotti Senior Scientist View Profile Testimonials "The Advanced Certificate Course in Molecular Techniques for DNA Fingerprinting and the Internship Program were exceptional experiences that exceeded my expectations. The program offered abundant hands-on training, allowing me to refine my skills in DNA fingerprinting and genetic testing while gaining exposure to the latest advancements in molecular diagnostics and forensics. The supportive and approachable staff provided personalized guidance, ensuring a deep understanding of both foundational and advanced techniques. This practical, skills-focused approach made me industry-ready, and I was able to secure a job in the same field shortly after completing the program—a true testament to its quality and relevance. This course was worth far more than the investment, offering unparalleled opportunities to improve skills, expand knowledge, and gain a competitive edge in the job market. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to advance their career in molecular biology and diagnostics." Nimasha Liyanagedara, B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. Read more Our Values Positivity Our commitment to sustain a positive environment for our employees as well as our clients is one of the key factors that sets us apart from our competitors Collaboration Collaboration is at the core of everything we do. We enjoy interacting with various types of people whilst appreciating the cultural diversity that they bring to the community. Excellence Delivering excellence has always been our main focus as we love inspiring and elevating the communities we touch. Integrity We always act with integrity, and we have strong moral and ethical principles to be followed at all times regardless of the consequences. Read more

Discover groundbreaking research collaborations at GRI, tackling dengue and genetic studies in Sri Lanka. Explore our innovative projects and join us in advancing science! Collaborative Projects How projects initiated under this scheme work Projects initiated under this scheme will be considered formal research collaborations between GRI and the external researcher. The external researcher and GRI will agree on a time frame, scope of work, and budget for the project. An agreement will be signed between GRI and the external researcher spelling out these details. Technical services and laboratory work may be performed in either of the following ways subject to mutual agreement: By the external researcher and GRI staff. By the external researcher and a research assistant appointed by the external researcher. Budgeting and authorship Budgeting for this type of project will take the following into consideration: Chemicals and consumables Technical Personnel fees (if done by GRI staff) Equipment fees Bench fees Overhead charges GRI scientists will be co-authors of any publications or presentations that are generated by the project. A list of collaborative projects funded by external sources is given below. Risk factors for dengue hemorrhagic fever in Sri Lanka. FIRCA Grant, National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA. Pediatric dengue surveillance in Colombo. Pediatric Dengue Vaccine Initiative (PDVI), South Korea. Funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Genetic identification of vertebrate species in Sri Lanka using DNA barcoding. Funded by an ADB project through the Open University of Sri Lanka. Cross reactivity and prophylactic activity of HLA restricted Dengue 2 and Dengue 3 T cell responses. Funded via a contract grant (National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA) awarded to the La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology. The Dengue Population Genetics Program: The project aimed to assess genetic variants associated with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Funded via a contract grant (NIH/NIAID) awarded to McMaster University, Canada. National Dengue Surveillance Project: The project aimed to perform surveillance for dengue in Sri Lanka. Funded by the European Union/ Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. Sequencing of current circulating dengue viruses in Sri Lanka and correlating them with the specific dengue epitopes with T cell responses from dengue patients. Funded by the National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka. Studies on Melioidosis patients and the infecting Burkholderiapseudomallei strains in Sri Lanka. Funded by the US Army Medical Research & Material Command (USAMRMC). The identification of HLA class I and class II T cell epitopes from dengue virus. Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA.

Discover Genetech's commitment to excellence in genetics research and services. Founded in 2002 by Dr. Maya B. Gunasekera, we adhere to ISO 15189 standards. Our Story Genetech was founded with the vision of making the benefits of biotechnology accessible to the people of Sri Lanka. In pursuit of this objective, we have become a pioneer in the field of molecular life sciences in Sri Lanka. We introduced molecular diagnostics and DNA fingerprinting technology to Sri Lanka, and have established ourselves as one of the most progressive and respected private scientific facilities in the country. At present, we are a multi-faceted institution and our activities can be broadly categorised into the following areas: Molecular diagnostics of infectious and genetic diseases DNA typing for paternity testing and forensic casework Teaching of basic to advanced molecular biology Training of personnel involved in molecular biology Genetically modified (GM) and other food testing Sex determination of birds Diagnostics of animal diseases Research in the molecular life sciences Customised biotechnology solutions Molecular biology products Genetech was founded in 2002 by Dr. Maya B. Gunasekera, who obtained her Bachelor of Science with a First Class from the University of Colombo (1980-1983) and her doctorate from the National Institute of Medical Research, UK (1985-1988). She was a Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Colombo for 11 Years where she was responsible for introducing Molecular Biology and Gene Technology to the curriculum of the Faculty of Science. She was a pioneer in the use of DNA testing in forensic casework in Sri Lanka. She developed a new molecular method for the detection of the dengue virus among numerous published research findings. Dr. Maya Gunasekera passed away in April 2006. Her husband Dhammika N. Gunasekera, who is an old boy of Royal College (1968-1981), an alumnus of the University of Colombo (1981-1984) and of Imperial College London (1986-1989) is now the owner of Genetech and the managing trustee of Genetech Research Institute. Dr. Maya B. Gunasekera Founder of Genetech Our staff consisting of qualified scientists works with strong ethical commitment to the values of the principles of life sciences, mainly molecular biology. Our dedicated staff work with high levels of commitment and integrity to maintain the quality of our services. Much of our portfolio embodies the development and introduction of DNA based solutions by combining the current technology with latest advances. At Genetech, we ensure that the standard of laboratory organisation, management, analysis methodology, precision, quality control and safety are maintained at levels recommended by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 15189). All diagnostics tests conducted by us will initially undergo standard validation procedures prior to being used as a routine method of analysis. All the tests offered at Genetech are conducted onsite. We were named the winner of the National Science & Technology Award for Outstanding leadership in introducing advanced technologies and services presented by the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka in 2008. Our Services View > Courses and Internships View > Research View > Our Leadership View >

Explore diverse research on genetic variation, virological surveillance, and forensic DNA evidence in Sri Lanka, presented at various academic conferences and symposiums. Conference Papers and Communications Page 2 of 2 De Silva, A. D., Perera, N., Abeysekera, D. M. & Elvitigala, J. P. (2009) Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) isolates in Sri Lanka utilizing the Mycobaterium interspersed repetitive units(MIRU) typing method. Respire, Inaugural symposium of the association of pulmonologists. De Silva, A. D., Samarasinghe, K. S. R. G. S. L., Abeysekera, D. M. & Elvitigala, J. P. (2009) Screening for IS6110 zero copy number strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Sri Lanka Genetech Research Institute, Colombo 8, Chest Hospital, Welisara. The Bulletin of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, volume 7, Issue 1. Muthunayake, T., Dangalle, C., Fernandopulle, N. & Weerakoon, D. (2009) Genetic analysis of morphologically non-identifiable translocated Puntius bandula population at Salgala using CO1 region of mt DNA. Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Forestry and Environment Symposium, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka. 1 (1), 66. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335926117_Genetic_analysis_of_morphologically_non-identifiable_translocated_Puntius_bandula_population_at_Salgala_using_CO1_region_of_mtDNA Wickramasinghe, E. D. T. S. L., Fernandopulle, N. D. & Hettiarachchi, P. L. L. (2009) DNA barcoding of Sri Lankan Tea - A method to secure ownership in the international trade. Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Forestry and Environment Symposium, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka. 1 (1), 68. Samaradivakara, S., Gunasekera, I., Mendis, B., Karunaratne, U., Jayathunga, T., Sledgers, R. & Fernandopulle, N. (2009) Preliminary study on DNA barcoding of cinnamon varieties in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Forestry and Environment Symposium, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka. 1 (1), 69-70. Fernando, A., Samaradivakara, S., De Silva, A. D., Baranage, G., Herath, I., Fernandopulle, N. D., Padmalal, K. & Ranawaka, G. R. R. (2009) DNA Barcoding of the Sri Lankan Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus or Loris lydekkerianus?) A preliminary report. Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Forestry and Environment Symposium, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka. 1 (1), 74. Available from: http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/1845 Rajasinghe, M. H. L. D., Fernandopulle, N. & Perera, A. L. T. (2009) Detection of Genetically Modified Soy Food in Sri Lankan Supermarket, Paper Presented at the Proceedings of the Peradeniya, University Research Sessions, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.Vol:14 (1) pp: 16-18. Perera, A. N. K., Logendra, B., Fernandopulle, N. D. & Attanayaka, D. P. S. T. G. (2009) Development of a PCR-based molecular Detection Assay for Thielaviopsis paradoxa in Coconut Fibre Dust. Proceedings of 9th Agricultural Research Symposium, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 326-331. Tissera, H. A., De Silva, A. D., Abeysinghe, M. R. N., de Silva, A. M., Palihawadana, P., Gunasena, S., Tam, C. C., Gamage, T. M., De Silva, T., Rajapaksa, L. C., Amarasinghe, A., Letson, G. W. & Margolis, H. S. (2009) Dengue Surveillance in Colombo, Sri Lanka: Baseline seroprevalence among children. Procedia in Vaccinology . 2(1) 110–114. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.provac.2010.03.020 Gunathilaka, P. V. V. W., Fernandopulle, N. D. & Attanayaka, D. P. S. T. G. (2007) Development of an in-house method for purification and characterization of Taq DNA polymerase. Proceedings of 7th Agricultural Research Symposium, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 1 (1), 27-31. Fernandopulle, N. D. (2007) DNA typing for forensic and civil casework in Sri Lanka; a critical review. Proceedings of the 9th Indo-Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine & Forensic Sciences. Illeperuma, R. J. (2007) Y-Chromosome and Mitochondrial DNA reference data bases for Sri Lankan Human Population, 9th Indo-Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine & Forensic Sciences. OP-72 p83. Markalanda, D. A., Illeperuma, R. J. & Fernandopulle, N. D. (2007) Establishment of a Differential extraction of Male and Female DNA from sexual assault samples - 9th Indo-Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine & Forensic Sciences. Fernandopulle, D. N., Senevirathna, D. B., Ranaweera, D. M., Abeysekara, D., Perera, N., Kanakaratne, N., Jayasinghe, S., Samaraweera, P. & De Silva, A. (2007) Detection of HCV Genotypes among Sri Lankan Patients by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The Bulletin of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists Vol 5. Seneviratne, D. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2006) Development of a low-cost in-house RT-PCR assay for the detection of hepatitis C virus. Annual Sessions of the Post Graduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Abbas, R., Senevirathne, D., Ranaweera, D. & Fernandopulle, N. D. (2006) DNA-based detection of Herpes Simplex virus 1 and 2 in clinical samples and its usefulness as a screening test for viral encephalitis. Proceedings of the 62nd Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Wahala, M., Messer, W., Kanakaratne, N., Perera, N., Seneviratne, D., Ranawake, G. R., Shahani, A., Ruberu, D., Gunasekera, M. B. & De Silva, A. M. (2005) Virological parameters of recent dengue hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Sri Lanka. Annual sessions of PUBMED, National institutes of Health, USA. Seneviratne, D., Gamage, P., Baranage, G., Jayasinghe, S., Shahani, A., Somaiah, S., Fernandopulle, N. D. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2004). Screening for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by an in-house reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based assay (2004) The Bulletin of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists Vol 2 (1). Fernandopulle, N. D., De Silva, V., Perera, N., Jayathilake, M. M., Pieris, D., Balawardana, J., Perera, M. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2004) Screening for Philadelphia Chromosome by an in-house Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) based assay. Proceedings of the 60th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Illeperuma, R. J., Fernandopulle, N. D., Senevirathna, D., Baranage, G., Perera, N. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2004). A comparison of theoretical and observed statistical data in paternity testing by DNA analysis. Proceedings of the 60th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Jayathilaka, S., Weerasinghe, R. & Fernandopulle, N. (2004) Predicting ethnic origin from DNA by neural networks. Proceedings of the 6th International Information Technology Conference IITC 2004, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Baranage, G., Seneviratne, D., Gamage, P., Ranawaka, G., Perera, N., Illeperuma, R., Ruberu, D., Shahani, A. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2004) Screening of febrile cases for early diagnosis of dengue and identification of dengue virus type using in-house diagnostic kits based on polymerase chain reaction. The Bulletin of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists Vol 2 (1). Illeperuma, R. J., Fernandopulle, N. D., Senevirathna, D., Baranage, G., Perera, N. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2004) DNA-based testing as a social phenomenon in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 60th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Ranawaka, G. R., Gamage, P., De Silva, V., Fernando, A., Seneviratne, D. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2003) Evaluation of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-agarose gel electrophoresis assay with a PCR-hybridization assay for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Proceedings of the 59th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Gamage, P., Seneviratne, D., Herath, C. A., Fernandopulle, N. D. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2003) Polymerase chain reaction based detection of cytomegalovirus infection in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 59th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. 1 2

Explore Genetech’s lab facilities, equipment, and expertise for your research. Access GRI’s support services, including sample storage and international shipment coordination. GRI Research Policies for External Researchers Genetech offers scientific expertise, technical services and laboratory facilities for research projects. External researchers will have access to all the following services: Bench space and access to all equipment at GRI Scientific and technical expertise of GRI permanent staff Common chemicals and supplies Assistance in ordering and receiving research supplies Library, computer and internet facilities at GRI Short term sample storage at 4 C, -20 C and -80 C. Coordination of international shipment of specimen (subject to local and international export/import regulations) Above services can be obtained under following broad categories, with the flexibility to accommodate the individual researcher's requirements.

Accurate Bird DNA Sexing for breeders, pet owners, and conservationists. Non-invasive, 99.9% accurate testing with quick, reliable results. Submit your sample today! Bird DNA Sexing Why DNA Sexing Matters Accurate sex determination is essential for breeding, conservation, and pet ownership, particularly in monomorphic species where males and females appear identical. Even in species with visible differences between males and females, gender traits often develop only in adulthood. Knowing a bird’s sex is crucial for forming proper breeding pairs, helping breeders, and providing important information to pet owners and buyers before selling birds. Sample Collection Process To submit a sample for Bird DNA Sexing, follow these steps: Pluck 5-6 feathers from the bird’s chest area. Place the feathers in an envelope or a plastic zip-lock bag. Label the envelope or zip-lock bag with your bird ID (such as the bird’s name, ring number, or cage number). Complete the sample acceptance form and submit it along with the samples (available at the Genetech Reception or downloadable here ). You can submit the samples in person or by courier to: Genetech 54 Kitulwatte Road, Colombo 00800 For mail or courier submissions, place the sealed samples and completed sample acceptance form inside an envelope. We will notify you once the samples have been received. What we offer We provide 99.9% accurate molecular sexing for a wide range of bird species. Our method is non-invasive, typically using feathers, though blood and other tissues are also accepted. The process is quick, efficient, and cost-effective, delivering reliable results for bird owners, breeders, and conservationists. Contact us View Price List Sample Acceptance Sheet

Explore Genetech’s core values: a beacon of positivity, excellence, and integrity, driving innovation and collaboration in the biotech landscape. Our Values Positivity Our commitment to sustain a positive environment for our employees as well as our clients is one of the key factors that set us apart from our competitors. We believe it is essential to encourage people to let go of their past unfavourable experiences and eliminate any pessimistic thoughts about their future. This provides them the opportunity to enjoy the present moment without any distractions, irrespective of the circumstances. Furthermore, it bolsters employee confidence and morale, allowing a highly efficient working culture to be established. The key steps to being always happy involve forgiving others and yourself for any mistakes they or you have made and appreciating the uncertainty of the future as well as the imperfections around us. Thus, we strive to meet our short-term and long-term objectives by planning optimistically and effectively whilst expecting nothing in return. We believe expectations may potentially act as barriers to understanding reality and enjoying every moment, due to the unpredictable future we all have. For example, if an employee is working towards a strict deadline of a major project, they may suffer from anxiety if they start predicting the consequences of not completing their deliverables within the allocated time period. This would potentially be a hindrance to enjoying the work they carry out. Nevertheless, we always aim to exceed our clients’ expectations by offering exceptional customer service. The positive attitude our employees possess to undertake any task with great enthusiasm is what makes us very special. Collaboration Collaboration is at the core of everything we do. We enjoy interacting with various types of people whilst appreciating the cultural diversity that they bring to the community. Our employees are mentored by senior members of the company as well as junior members to guide them to achieve their career goals and provide technical knowledge where necessary. Our team is also trained to have the ability to work independently where required. We understand that every decision we make in life has pros and cons but a person with a positive attitude will be happy with whichever decision they make, provided there are no negative intentions behind the decision. We believe it is possible for any organisation to create a home away from home, if you learn to be compassionate towards others and enjoy every moment irrespective of the im perfections everyone brings to society. Excellence Delivering excellence has always been our main focus as we love inspiring and elevating the communities we touch. This includes integrating cutting-edge DNA fingerprinting technology, engaging in research and contributing to innovative, future-ready solutions, and adopting eco-friendly approaches. We transcend the industry by reimagining the possibilities of expanding our expertise, and our staff are always excited and motivated to devise solutions to complex challenges we could face. To achieve the best possible outcomes, we embrace change and enhancement where necessary, and our employees are passionate to constantly find techniques to develop the services we offer. We continually aim to enhance our work environment with the intention of ensuring our stakeholders enjoy everything we do and love everyone they meet. This stems from the priority given to mental and physical health at Genetech. Indeed, it has also made it very easy for us to grow professionally and build an excellent organisation. Integrity We always act with integrity, and we have strong moral and ethical principles to be followed at all times regardless of the consequences. We believe trust and honesty are central to integrity as well as consistency. Integrity is one of the most important assets we seek when we recruit new employees to join our team. Moreover, we make our decisions on candidates who apply for a job at Genetech based purely on their skills, passion and potential to invigorate us to move forward and achieve greater success as a biotechnology company. We also have built our customers’ trust by obtaining ISO 15189 accreditation and maintaining the standards in all aspects. We believe a workplace with employees whose actions are open and transparent is one that fosters beneficial leadership qualities in others. Treating everyone with respect is absolutely vital to us as our objective is to maintain an organisation that supports you unconditionally, regardless of differences such as sex, age, race, religion and ethnic origin.

Explore innovative PhD projects funded by Genetech in Sri Lanka, covering forensic genetics, dengue vector studies, and rice blast resistance. Dive into cutting-edge research and groundbreaking discoveries! Research leading to the award of PhD X-Chromosome markers for forensic genetics in Sri Lanka: development, validation and application of a novel 16 X-STR multiplex assay for the Sri Lankans. K. L. Nandika Perera, Ph.D., Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, 2021. Population genetic and epidemiological investigation of the dengue vectors Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in Sri Lanka. M. D. Nirmani, Ph.D., Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2021 (Thesis Submitted). DNA marker assisted breeding of rice blast resistant genes into local rice. Ama Jayawardana, Ph.D. Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo; Rice Research and development Institute, Batalagoda, 2019 (Conducted partially at Genetech). Genetic diversity and population structure of ex-situ conserved finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) accessions in Sri Lanka. Parami Wakista, Ph.D. Department of Botany, Faculty of Applied Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2017. Development of Mini STR primers in order to enhance sensitivity and amplification efficiency of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to aid analysis of degraded DNA evidence in Sri Lankan case work. N. D. Suraj Goonawardhana, Ph.D., Department of Zoology Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2016. Characterization and transfer of Drought Responsive Elements Binding (DREB) genes to develop transgenic drought resistant rice. W.S. Imesh De Silva, Ph.D., Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2016. Understanding the role of host genetic factors and specific dengue virus epitomes during dengue infection. Anira Fernando, Ph.D., Department of Zoology Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2015. Sustainable insect resistance in local rice varieties. Manisha Gunasekera, PhD, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. 2010 (partially conducted at Genetech). Development of databases for autosomal Y-chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA markers and their application in forensic casework and population genetics in Sri Lankan populations. Ruwan J Illeperuma, PhD, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2010. Detection, quantification and characterization of Hepatitis C virus strains in Sri Lanka. Dhammika B. Seneviratne, PhD, Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2010. Severity of dengue disease and the role of different serotypes and genotypes of the causative viruses. Upul Nalaka De Silva Kanakaratne, PhD, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2009.

Explore our comprehensive molecular biology internships, including disease diagnostics, DNA fingerprinting, and GM food testing. Hands-on training, expert supervision, and individual research assignments. Internship Programme on Molecular Disease Diagnostics Who Can Register: A/L, Pre-University and Undergraduate Students Our internship programme offers the flexibility to choose between two-week and six-week durations, tailored to your educational needs. Available throughout the year, this programme is designed to provide hands-on experience in molecular diagnostics, with the ability to customise based on specific requirements. Two-Week Programme: LKR 48,000 Key Focus Areas: Diagnostic Testing: Human infectious disease testing Cancer testing Canine disease testing Plant disease testing Methods covered: DNA extraction/handling of different samples RNA extraction PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR Gel electrophoresis PCR trouble shooting Introduction to the ISO 15189 system and planning a molecular diagnostic laboratory Six-Week Programme: LKR 96,000 Includes all components of the two-week programme. In addition, interns will undertake a four-week internship involving an individual research assignment. This project involves a literature survey, independent laboratory work, result analysis, and interpretation. Upon successful completion of the programme, interns will receive a certification letter detailing their training and experience. View FAQs Contact us If you are interested in doing an internship at Genetech, please submit the Inquiry Form below or email us at info@genetechsrilanka.com to receive further details. View Inquiry Form

Explore our comprehensive molecular biology internships, including disease diagnostics, DNA fingerprinting, and GM food testing. Hands-on training, expert supervision, and individual research assignments. Internship Programme in DNA Fingerprinting and Genetic Testing Who Can Register: Graduates, undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers, and A/L students This internship programme offers flexible durations of two weeks, four weeks, and six weeks. Internships are available year-round, subject to space availability, and can be customised to meet specific requirements. Programme Overview: The internship provides comprehensive training in DNA fingerprinting for forensic and kinship testing, genetic disease diagnostics, GMO testing as well as many other widely used molecular applications. Two-Week Programme – LKR 48,000.00 Laboratory exposure working alongside our scientists in areas such as molecular forensics, kinship testing, GMO testing, and genetic disease diagnostics. Hands-on experience in molecular techniques by carrying out selected test methods. Four-Week Programme – LKR 72,000.00 Includes all components of the two-week programme, with the added opportunity to conduct a short-term research project. This project focuses on applying DNA fingerprinting techniques, involving a literature review, independent lab work, and data analysis. Six-Week Programme – LKR 96,000.00 Extends the four-week programme, allowing for a more in-depth research experience, with additional time for experimental work, data interpretation, and presentation of findings. Upon successful completion of the programme, interns will receive a certification letter detailing their training and experience. View FAQs Contact us If you are interested in doing an internship at Genetech, please submit the Inquiry Form below or email us at info@genetechsrilanka.com to receive further details. View Inquiry Form

Meet Dr. Nandika Perera, Genetech’s expert in molecular diagnostics and DNA typing, pioneering forensic science in Sri Lanka. Dr. Nandika Perera Head of Forensic DNA Typing and Parentage Testing Dr. Nandika Perera joined Genetech in early 2004 soon after its inception and was part of the pioneering team led by late Dr. Maya Gunasekera, who introduced molecular diagnostics and DNA typing services to Sri Lanka. In subsequent years, he was promoted to the post of Senior Scientist and in 2010, he became the Head of the Parentage Testing Section. Currently, he is also the Head of Forensic DNA typing and has provided more than 2500 DNA typing reports to the Sri Lankan Judiciary. He together with his team has established several in-house molecular diagnostic tests including a test for prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia disease. More recently, he introduced X chromosome STR typing to Sri Lanka to be used in forensic and kinship analysis. The technique offers a significant advantage over the other commonly used DNA typing methods in resolving some specific cases of kinship which cannot be conclusively resolved otherwise. He is also involved in various other molecular biology related research in collaboration with many state and private universities and research institutes in Sri Lanka. His portfolio of works includes many research publications, some in the world’s leading high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports of Nature publishing group and International Journal of Legal Medicine which is testimonial of his illustrative career in the field of molecular genetics. Nandika is an alumnus of both the University of Colombo and Institute of Chemistry, Sri Lanka. He holds two Honours degrees, one in the field of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (from University of Colombo) and the other in Chemistry (from Institute of Chemistry, Sri Lanka). He obtained his master’s degree in Molecular Life Sciences at the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo and has completed his Ph.D. in the field of Molecular Forensics at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Sri Lanka. He is the recipient of many academic awards including the Gold Medal for the best academic performance in his Master’s Degree, the award for the best performance in part 1 examination in Graduateship in Chemistry and the W. F. Peiris Memorial Scholarship in Graduateship in Chemistry.

Discover Genetech’s DNA testing accuracy for identity, parentage, and forensics, ensuring over 99.99% paternity certainty and match probabilities beyond standards. Accuracy of evidence DNA testing is the most accurate and reliable means of identity verification and parentage testing. The degree of accuracy of the test will depend on the genetic diversity of the Sri Lankan population as well as the number of genetic locations (STR loci) which are tested. There is no mandatory number of STR loci required for a test, but the testing of nine STR loci or more is generally considered to be sufficiently accurate. We test up to 15 STR loci. Accuracy in a test of familial relationships: A paternity or maternity test can prove with 100% certainty that an individual is not the biological parent of a child. However, no DNA test available can prove with 100% certainty that a man or woman is the biological parent of a child. Generally, a degree of certainty of over 99% is required to accept the paternity or maternity of an individual. DNA testing by Genetech typically proves paternity with at least 99.99% certainty. This is well in excess of the required accuracy. Accuracy in criminal casework: In criminal casework, the demand for accuracy is greater, and the forensic scientist has to prove beyond a doubt that a suspect's DNA profile matches with that of the criminal. This involves expressing the probability of finding a random person in the population who might have this same profile. This probability is known as the Match Probability. This probability must be very low. When the Match Probability is lower, the accuracy of the conclusions of the DNA test is greater. There is no internationally agreed lower limit for this probability, but the result is generally accepted if it is lower than 1 in 1 billion. At Genetech, a sufficient number of loci can be tested to ensure that the Match Probability is lower than 1 in 10 billion.