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Journal Publications Perera, N., Galhena, G. & Ranawaka, G. (2021) X-chromosomal STR based genetic polymorphisms and demographic history of Sri Lankan ethnicities and their relationship with global populations. Scientific Reports 11:12748. Available from: doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-92314-9 ​ Perera, N., Galhena, G. & Ranawaka, G. (2021) Development of a 16 X-STR multiplex PCR system for kinship analysis and its applicability for the Sinhalese population in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Legal Medicine. 135:161–166. Available from: doi: 10.1007/s00414-020-02450-6 ​ Nirmani, M. D., Perera, N. S. & Galhena, G. H. (2021) Population genetic dynamics of dengue vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Sri Lanka: Baseline study for designing Wolbachia control method. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science. 41:1809–1821. Available from: doi: 10.1007/s42690-020-00395-2 View More Conference Papers and Communications Nirmani, M. D., Perera, K. L. N. S. & Galhena, G. H. (2020) A preliminary virological surveillance of field-caught adult Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) mosquitoes in selected sites in the District of Colombo and Gampaha of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Annual Research Symposium 2020, University of Colombo; 44. ​ De Mel, W. D. Y., Illeperuma, R. J., Fernando, S. P., Pusweldeniya, B. M. J. & Padmalal, U. K. G. K. (2019) Genetic variation of Elephas maximus maximus in Maduru Oya national park in Sri Lanka, age 2019: International Conference on Agriculture, Green Economics and Energy, Sapporo, Japan, 2019. ​ Perera, N., Galhena, G. & Ranawaka, G. (2019) Development of a novel X-chromosomal STR based dacaplex PCR assay for the kinship analysis of Sinhalese population. Proceedings of the Open University Research Sessions (OURS 2019), Open University of Sri Lanka, P19. Available from: https://ours.ou.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Abastracts-Open-University-Research-Sessions-October-2019-19-20.pdf View More

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. ​ ​ ​

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.

Samudi Mohotti Senior Scientist Samudi Mohotti commenced her professional career at Genetech as a Scientific Officer at the division of parentage testing in 2004. In subsequent years, she was promoted to the post of Senior Scientist and currently oversees the entire process of parentage testing. She is one of the most experienced scientists in the field of DNA typing and has contributed to submit over 3,000 DNA test reports for civil and criminal cases to the Sri Lankan Judiciary. She took part in the development of an allele frequency databases of autosomal STR markers for Sri Lankans ethnicities and co-authored a journal paper in a high-impact journal, Forensic Science International: Genetics. In addition to DNA typing, she is involved in many research projects conducted by Genetech on contract basis to meet the requests from both state and private institutes. She is also a key member of the team which maintains the ISO 15189 quality management system of our laboratory. Samudi obtained her BSc degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and her Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

Certificate Course in DNA Fingerprinting Why choose this programme? This course starts with a comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals of gene technology and extends its scope to DNA fingerprinting, the gold standard for individual characterization. By following this course, students can learn the essential techniques used in both gene technology and DNA fingerprinting and acquire the practical skills necessary to conduct them. The course thus prepares students to face the challenges in the most up-to-date molecular biology labs worldwide. A certificate will be issued upon completion of the course. Who can register for this programme? This course is designed for students who have completed their G.C.E. Advanced Level examination and are hoping to pursue higher education in biology, biotechnology, and biomedical science in universities abroad and Sri Lanka as well as for current undergraduates in these fields. Course Content The course encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects of the following. ​​ ​ Handling of biological samples in DNA fingerprinting Basic set up of a molecular biological lab Chelex and solid phase DNA extraction methods DNA quantification Multiplex PCR Use of commercial kits for DNA profiling Agarose gel electrophoresis Capillary electrophoresis Generation and analysis of DNA profiles Duration and fees This is a 30 hour couse with 18 hours of individual hands-on training. The programme will run from 9.00 am to 4.15 pm on 5 weekdays. The programme fee will be LKR 25,000 (~LKR 833 per hour) which is to be paid before the registration in order to confirm and reserve your place. Places will be offered on a first come first served basis. Email now If you are interested in participating in this training programme, send us an email with your details to info@genetechsrilanka.com View FAQs Contact us View Inquiry Form

Industry Based Training Programme What our programme offers 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. Duration and fees The programme will run from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm for 10 consecutive weekdays as a full-time programme. It will not be possible to complete this programme part-time. The programme fee will be Rs. 70,000 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. For whom? 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. Email now If you are interested in participating in this training programme, send us an email with your details to info@genetechsrilanka.com View FAQs Contact us View Inquiry Form

5 Day Practical Training Programme for A Level Students Why choose this programme? The programme will consist of lectures, practicals, and demonstrations covering various topics in molecular biology, biotechnology, and gene technology. It will also provide exposure to the applications of these subjects in the fields of Molecular Diagnostics and DNA Fingerprinting as an introducti on. Who can register for this programme? This programme is specifically designed for Edexcel, Cambridge, and Local A/L Students (AS, A2 and post-A/Ls) to fulfill the basic practical experience requirements in molecular biology and gene technology applications. It is intended for students who will be applying to and awaiting entry into tertiary programmes, particularly those planning to join universities in the US, UK and other countries in the near future. Email now If you are interested in participating in this training programme, send us an email with your details to info@genetechsrilanka.com View FAQs Contact us View Inquiry Form

DNA Typing Services Child custody and maintenance: In cases where one parent is claiming the custody and maintenance of a child and the other parent is refusing to accept parentage. Proof of adultery: Especially in divorce cases where the paternity of the child is suspect, and the wife is being accused of adultery, DNA typing can be used to determine whether the husband is the father of the child. Rape, which has resulted in pregnancy: DNA typing of tissue samples from the mother, child and suspected offender can be analysed to determine whether he is the father of the child. Testamentary cases: When a deceased person's wealth is to be distributed among his or her heirs, it is sometimes necessary to determine who the heirs are. DNA typing can be used to prove blood relationship to the deceased individual. Immigration: Individuals and families interested in establishing a proven biological link to their relatives ultimately enhance their chances of a successful application for immigration. Identity testing in cases involving immigration may include answering questions of paternity, maternity, and sibling relationships. Twin studies: DNA typing can be used to determine whether twins are identical or not. Identification of mutilated bodies: When a deceased person's body is mutilated and cannot be identified directly, such as in fire, vehicle accidents, bomb blasts, or due to prolonged burial, it is possible to identify these persons by comparing their DNA profiles with that of their close relatives'. Murder, violent assault, robbery: In these cases, a sample of tissue from the criminal is sometimes found at the scene of the crime, and if there is a suspect, DNA typing can very accurately determine whether the sample of tissue belongs to the suspect, thereby linking the suspect to the crime. Furthermore, a sample of tissue from the victim may be found on the criminal (such as blood stains on the criminal's clothing). Similarly, DNA typing can be used to determine whether the sample of tissue belongs to the victim in such cases, thereby connecting the suspect to the victim. Rape and other sexual offences: In these cases, semen and saliva samples may be obtained from the body and clothing of the victim. DNA typing can be used to determine whether the sample of tissue belongs to the suspect, thereby linking the suspect to the crime. In such cases, DNA typing can be used very effectively to identify the criminal only if the offense is reported immediately, and DNA samples are taken as soon as possible. Establishment of identity in insurance claims: It is often necessary to establish the identity of a claimant in life insurance claims. DNA typing can determine the relationship of the claimant to the insured individual. DNA typing is also extremely effective in identifying individuals who have died in accidents or by other causes, and whose bodies have been severely mutilated making conventional identification impossible. Hence, DNA typing can be used to confirm the death of the insured person. Establishment of a criminal DNA profile data bank: Many countries have enacted legislation to establish a DNA databank, containing profiles from individuals convicted of specific crimes, especially violent crimes and sexual offences. Law enforcement agencies search these databanks for matches with DNA profiles from biological evidence of unsolved crimes. Using these databanks, law enforcement agencies have been successful in identifying suspects in cases thought to be unsolvable. Such databases are also a powerful deterrent to crime because the criminal knows that his DNA profile is on record. ​

Molecular Diagnostics Did you know? We pioneered the use of molecular diagnostics in Sri Lanka. This field, which was almost unknown to the medical fraternity in Sri Lanka is now widely used in delivering high quality patient management. Molecular diagnostics is now an accepted and even essential part of the health care system since it was introduced to Sri Lanka by us in 2002. How we strengthened our clients' trust In order to standardise our tests and strengthen our clients' trust, We have applied for and obtained ISO 15189 accreditation. Thus, our tests including those related to molecular disease diagnostics are excellent in all aspects. The importance of nucleic acids Infectious diseases are caused by a wide variety of organisms, ranging from multi-cellular parasites and fungi to uni-cellular bacteria to non-cellular viruses. These organisms cover a wide range of phyla, and have extremely diverse ways of infecting human beings. In spite of these differences, they all possess nucleic acids (DNA or RNA molecules), their hereditary material. This DNA or RNA forms the basis of their individuality, and because it is the basis of diversity, it is possible to identify these organisms from their DNA or RNA. What we offer with PCR technology Unlike other diagnostic methods, which rely on microscopy, culture, biochemical characteristics and indirect antibody detection, molecular diagnostics seeks evidence of a disease at the very basic causative level by detecting the nucleic acids based on PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology. ​ This technology is also used to detect changes or mutations in our DNA, which can cause disease conditions known as genetic disorders. While some of these genetic disorders are passed from generation to generation, some happen spontaneously. Genetech offers DNA-based testing services for a wide variety of such genetic disorders and cancer markers. Contact us View Price List and Sample Collection Guide

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

Student Projects Genetech has funded and facilitated student research projects for students from many universities in Sri Lanka. 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 (Thesis Submitted). 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). View more MPhil and MSc Research Projects Detection and confirmed of Brucella abortus in bovine aborted fetuses by PCR in selected localities in Sri Lanka. Samudi N. K. Mohotti, M.Sc., Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2017. Genetic characterization and molecular phylogeny of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Sri Lanka based on COI gene. H.A.K.M. Dharmarathne, M.Sc., IBMBB, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2016. Determination of Population Structure of Yellow Dwarf Coconut Population in Sri Lanka Department of Botany. Chandima Kamral, M.Phil., Faculty of Applied Science, University of Sri Jayawardanapura; Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwila, Sri Lanka, 2015 (partially conducted at Genetech). View more BSc Research Projects X-Chromosomal recombination – A family study analyzing 7 X-STR loci in Sinhalese. Ruvini Wijithalal, B.Sc. special in Zoology, Department of Zoology and Environment Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2019. Detection of gene polymorphism in angiotensinogen protein among chronic kidney disease patients in Sri Lankan population. Sathiyamoorthy Kabaskar, B.Sc. (Hons) in Biomedical Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, British College of Applied Studies (BCAS Campus), 2018. Detection of gene polymorphisms in angiotensin II type 1 receptor among chronic kidney disease patients in Sri Lankan population. Shiyamnesh Ganesh, B.Sc. (Hons) in Biomedical Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, British College of Applied Studies (BCAS Campus), 2018. View more

Ethical Guidelines DNA typing is performed ethically only with the informed consent of the individual whose DNA is being typed. The persons concerned will be informed about the consequences of the test. Where such consent cannot be given such as in the case of minors, the consent of the guardian has to be obtained. We will not undertake samples for parentage testing without written consent from all living parties who will be tested. In the instance of criminal casework, we adhere to provisions in the Law, with respect to taking samples from suspects, victims and other living individuals involved in the case. Strict confidentiality will be maintained at all times with respect to individuals being tested. The results of DNA typing tests and the conclusions drawn from them will be divulged only to the persons being tested, and Courts of Law which order such tests. The test result will be given in a numerical format; a Scientist from Genetech will interpret the results, drawing a clear, unambiguous conclusion, and express it in simple terms. DNA typing is performed by analysing non-coding regions of an individual's DNA. It does not give the analyst any information about the ethnicity, race, social background, physical or mental make up of that person. Therefore, no other genetic information will be retrieved from an individual's DNA.