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Intensive Practical Course in Molecular Biological Techniques (60 hours) This intensive training course provides a thorough hands on experience in key molecular biological techniques used in various fields of biological, medical and forensic sciences. ​ The course is primarily aimed at individuals who are new to the area, theoretically familiar but lacking in practical bench training or wishing to enhance their practical skills further. ​ At the end of the course, the participants will be able to acquire an adequate level of proficiency to allow for the troubleshooting and optimisation of routine laboratory protocols to promote timeliness and cost effectiveness. ​ All practical work is conducted individually with the guidance of experienced persons in the relevant field. ​ When? This course will run from 9.00am to 4.00pm for 10 consecutive weekdays as a full-time programme. ​ Course dates: TBD ​ For whom? ​ Senior and junior researchers who wish to establish in the field of molecular biology Post A/L students interested in pursuing future studies in biological/biomedical sciences and/or forensic sciences Individuals who seek career opportunities in medical diagnostic laboratories and forensic DNA laboratories Those who wish to complement their knowledge in modern molecular biological techniques (e.g., medical doctors, medical laboratory technicians, forensic analysts, industry persons) ​ Techniques Covered ​ Cloning techniques: Isolation of plasmid DNA, Restriction enzyme digestion and transformations ​ DNA extraction techniques: Isolation of human genomic DNA from blood and forensic samples, Bacterial/Viral DNA and Plant DNA ​ RNA work: Isolation/purification and reverse transcriptase PCR assays ​ Polymerase Chain Reaction: Technical elements and critical factors for successful PCR-based procedures, Multiplex PCR, Real Time PCR and PCR with RFLP ​ Gel Electrophoresis: Agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, automated capillary electrophoresis ​ Course Fee ​ Rs. 65,000 per person ​ ​ View FAQs Contact us If you are interested in doing this course at Genetech, please email us at info@genetechsrilanka.com to receive further details.

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 One day workshop on gene technology Introductory lecture on "Introduction to gene technology and its current applications" Theory and hands-on practical session covering: DNA extraction PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Gel Electrophoresis Basics in DNA profiling, DNA fingerprinting and DNA typing Basics in applications of PCR in disease diagnosis This workshop is well-suited for all local and international A/L students. Fee: Rs. 5,850 per person (Minimum 10 students per session) Please contact us to book a date. VIEW MORE COURSES Certificate course in gene technology 10-day course Classes on two consecutive weekdays over a 5 week period Course Fee: Practicals - Rs. 50,000 Lectures - Rs. 30,000 LEARN MORE Short-term internships for students These internships are ideal for students who are undertaking AS/A2 exams or pursuing an undergraduate degree and looking for industrial exposure in gene technology. ​​ Duration: 2-6 weeks ​ LEARN MORE 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 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

Our Tests Molecular Diagnostics We pioneered the use of molecular diagnostics in Sri Lanka. We seek evidence of a disease at the basic causative level by detecting the nucleic acids based on PCR technology. Read More GM and Other Food Testing We use a PCR method to identify the most common genetic elements that are generally found in Genetically Modified (GM) crops. Our test can be applied to a wide range of food items including crops and processed food. Read More DNA Typing We pioneered the use of DNA typing for human identification for forensic casework and analysis of family relationships including parentage testing. Read More Sex Determination of Birds Many bird species are monomorphic; thus, males and females cannot be distinguished visually. We offer molecular sexing for proper gender assignment of a wide range of bird species with an accuracy of 99.9%. Read More Animal Testing We are the only firm to provide a PCR based animal disease testing service in Sri Lanka. We offer tests which detect Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Canine Babesiosis and Canine Ehrlichiosis. In addition to animal disease testing, we provide a cattle parentage testing service through the use of DNA typing. Read More

Sex Determination of Birds Purpose Sex determination of birds is required for many purposes including bird breeding and conservation programmes. Why we test Many bird species are monomorphic; thus, males and females cannot be distinguished visually due to their similar phenotypic traits. On the other hand, sexually dimorphic bird species often do not display distinct visual features, characteristics or behavioural traits until they reach adult stage, thereby preventing the identification of gender in younger individuals. What we offer We offer molecular sexing for proper gender assignment of a wide range of bird species with an accuracy of 99.9%. Our method uses bird feathers to conduct a non-invasive, rapid, efficient and cost-effective sex determination. If available, other bird tissue samples including blood can be used for the test. ​ Contact us View Price List Sample Acceptance Sheet

Industry Based Training Programme ​ This is a programme designed to provide practical training in the applications of Molecular Diagnostics and basic methods in gene technology. It will consist of some lectures to provide students with the necessary theory to understand the applications of these topics, practicals to receive hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and demonstrations covering topics in these subject areas. The programme will run from 9.00am to 4.00pm for ten consecutive weekdays as a full-time programme. It will not possible to complete this programme part-time. The programme fee will be Rs. 58,500 which is to be paid before the registration in order to confirm your participation and reserve your place. Places will be offered on a first come first served basis. ​ This programme will be beneficial to students awaiting entry to tertiary education programmes (university) as well as for students that are currently enrolled in or have completed such programmes. View FAQs Contact us If you are interested in doing this training programme at Genetech, please send an email to info@genetechsrilanka.com to receive further details. View Inquiry Form

Training Our vision and mission Our teaching facility is designed and organised with Dr. Maya Gunasekera’s original vision in mind, which is “anyone interested in this subject should be given the opportunity to learn it”. Therefore, we offer training programmes aimed at providing a comprehensive knowledge of basics to advanced molecular biology. This includes coursework and well-structured practical training in laboratory methods in molecular biology under the guidance of practicing scientists. Genetech School of Gene Technology offers training programmes in areas including disease diagnostic methods of molecular medicine for medical officers, forensic DNA typing for medico-legal personnel, laboratory management for technical officers and courses on gene technology for post-Advanced Level, undergraduate and graduate level students. View FAQs A large number of undergraduate and graduate level students have undergone training at Genetech as interns and research students. At present, research students and technicians that trained at Genetech are contributing immensely to the field of Molecular Diagnostics through various organisations islandwide. Internships We offer internship opportunities for students who wish to work in an active molecular life science facility and obtain hands-on experience in a wide range of molecular biology techniques. Furthermore, our interns will be supervised by experienced scientists to actively engage in some short-term research and devise innovative solutions to complex challenges in this field. By choosing to do an internship at Genetech, you will avail yourself of an opportunity to work in a scientific environment which is quite unique in Sri Lanka. You will be able to work alongside scientists who are amongst the most experienced personnel in the molecular life sciences and learn in an environment that is fast-paced and exciting. Being a testing laboratory, Genetech is constantly working against time to deliver molecular biology-based testing services. Being a research institute, Genetech is always keen to branch out into new areas. Being a training organisation, Genetech can provide you with an opportunity to learn from practicing scientists and be mentored by experienced teachers whilst conducting research in a well-equipped facility. Courses The objective of these courses is to give all our students a comprehensive understanding of the essential principles of the subject. It aims to give each category of students a degree of knowledge and skill which would help meet the requirements of institutes of higher education and research anywhere in the world, and also help to accelerate the career development of personnel requiring a non-professional level of skill in molecular biology, such as medical and medico-legal personnel. Practical Course in Molecular Biological Techniques Certificate Course in Gene Technology Industry Based Training Programme Laboratory Practical Courses for A/L Students and Teachers Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technology Molecular Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases View our internships If you are interested in doing an internship or course at Genetech, please submit the Inquiry Form below or email us at info@genetechsrilanka.com to receive further details. View Inquiry Form

54 Kitulwatte Road, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka ​ +94 112696992 +94 11 2696881 Fax: +94 (0) 11 2686137 Email: info@genetechsrilanka.com ​ Head of Forensics, Parentage Testing and DNA Typing: Dr. Nandika Perera Email: nandika@genetechsrilanka.com ​ Head of the School of Gene Technology and Disease Diagnostics: Mrs. Vajirapani De Silva Email: vajirapani@genetechsrilanka.com ​ DNA Sequencing Services Email: sequencing.genetech@gmail.com Contact Form Name Email Contact Number Subject Message Success! Message received. Send

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 >

Internships Our internships consist of shadow learning and hands on training with individual attention, and self-learning is facilitated through the provision of appropriate reading materials. This will be supervised by the experts in the relevant fields. These internships are beneficial for graduates who are looking to pursue molecular biology related careers or postgraduate studies either in Sri Lanka or overseas and also undergraduate and postgraduate students who wish to acquire hands-on experience in molecular biology applications. We also offer internship programmes for Local and International A/L Students. We provide the following five types of internships. ​ Two Week Internship on Molecular Disease Diagnostics: Fee: Rs. 58,500 Start Date: 4th May 2022 End Date: 18th May 2022 More information about this internship is given under Molecular Disease Diagnostics on this page. Two Week Internship on DNA Fingerprinting and Genetically Modified (GM) Food Testing: Fee: Rs. 58,500 Start Date: 19th May 2022 End Date: 1st June 2022 More information about this internship is given under DNA Fingerprinting and Genetically Modified (GM) Food Testing on this page. Four Week Internship on Molecular Disease Diagnostics, DNA Fingerprinting and Genetically Modified (GM) Food Testing: Fee: Rs. 95,000 Start Date: 4th May 2022 End Date: 1st June 2022 Please note that this Four Week Internship is a combination of the 2 Two Week Internships mentioned above (Molecular Disease Diagnostics and DNA Fingerprinting and Genetically Modified (GM) Food Testing ). Six Week Internship: This is a six week programme that consists of two weeks of shadow learning and training in either Molecular Disease Diagnostics or DNA Fingerprinting and Genetically Modified (GM) Food Testing followed by a four week internship involving an individual research assignment. Students can enrol in the internship where they will be given a brief research project to work on over a four week period after completing the two week training programme.. Alternatively, students can participate in the Two Week Industry Based Training Programme to receive the required two weeks of training before being eligible to enrol in the four week internship involving an individual research assignment. The total fee for this internship will vary depending on the type of individual research assignment and equipment used. However, the fee for the first two weeks of this six week internship is Rs. 58,500. Long Term Customised Internships and Research Opportunities in Gene Technology Duration: 6 weeks and upwards ​ Molecular Disease Diagnostics (2 weeks) ​ ​ Testing included: 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 25189 system and planning a molecular diagnostic laboratory DNA Fingerprinting and Genetically Modified (GM) Food Testing (2 weeks) ​ Training covered during the internship: Forensic DNA typing Kinship verification Animal and plant forensics Molecular testing of GM food ​ Methods included: Sampling methods used for forensic DNA typing DNA isolation techniques for different kinds of samples Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis for autosomal, X and Y chromosomes Mitochondrial DNA analysis Automated fragment analysis and results interpretation Statistical methods in forensic and kinship testing PCR detection of GM food ​ 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

Certificate Course in Gene Technology (60 hours) Theory: ​ DNA, RNA structure and function Messenger RNA, Transfer RNA & proteins Chromosomes, genes, alleles, karyotypes, phenotype & genotype Extracting DNA from different sources Basic methods in bacteriology DNA modifying enzymes Genetic engineering & gene splicing Electrophoresis & quantification of DNA Polymerase chain reaction DNA fingerprinting in forensic casework Biotechnology in medicine & industry ​ Practicals (hands-on practical experience on an individual basis for each student): ​ ​ Laboratory rules & safety precautions Use of micropipettes Preparation of reagents Plating & quantifying of bacteria Forensic DNA testing: Extraction of DNA, PCR & gel electrophoresis Isolation of plasmid DNA Spectrophotometric determination of DNA DNA sequence data analysis ​ Course Fee: Practicals: Rs. 50,000 Lectures: Rs. 30,000 View FAQs Contact us If you are interested in doing this course at Genetech, please submit the Inquiry Form below or email us at info@genetechsrilanka.com to receive further details. View Inquiry Form

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technology (18 hours) This course is suitable for school-level, undergraduate and graduate students, and those engaged in scientific research, diagnostics and teaching which involves Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technology. ​ Theory: Guidelines for PCR Principle of PCR Critical factors for successful PCR Designing PCR primers Standard practices in a PCR Laboratory Troubleshooting and prevention of carryover contamination Optimization strategies for PCR PCR product analysis: Detection of PCR products by gel electrophoresis Methods of purification and quantification of PCR products Methods of labelling of PCR products (PCR probes) and visualization of label Cloning of PCR products: TOPO cloning DNA sequence analysis of PCR product PCR Applications: Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis Short Tandem Repeat (STR) (micro-satellite) analysis Multiplex PCR Reverse Transcription (RT)-PCR PCR-ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) In-situ PCR Quality Control/Quality Assurance of PCR assays ​ Practicals: Extraction of DNA from cells, blood stains for PCR A standard PCR assay Analysis of PCR products by agarose and acrylamide gel electrophoresis Strategies for optimization of PCR Purification of PCR products Labelling of PCR products Primer design using online sequence databases PCR-RFLP assay Multiplex PCR assay RT-PCR assay PCR-ELISA assay PCR troubleshooting ​ ​ View FAQs Contact us If you are interested in doing this course at Genetech, please submit the Inquiry Form below or email us at info@genetechsrilanka.com to receive further details. View Inquiry Form

Molecular Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases This is a course which can be customised based on the request of degree awarding institutes, hospitals and groups of individuals such as lawyers, lecturers, scientists and teachers who wish to obtain a foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of molecular diagnostics. ​ Course Content: ​ Molecular Diagnostic Tools Extraction of nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) from different clinical specimens Development of DNA probes and nucleic acid hybridization PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) PCR-Hybridization ​ View FAQs Contact us If you are interested in doing this course at Genetech, please submit the Inquiry Form below or email us at info@genetechsrilanka.com to receive further details. View Inquiry Form