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Genetically Modified and Other Food Testing Definition Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified through the introduction of a gene from a different organism. Currently available GM foods stem mostly from plants. What we do We use a PCR method to identify the most common genetic elements that are generally found in GM crops. The test is very sensitive and able to detect 0.1% GM content. In addition to the common genetic elements, on request, we also offer to detect other genetic elements that are assumed to have been integrated into the plants during the GM procedure. Our test can be applied to crops such as corn, soy, canola, and potato as well as processed food items such as tea, desiccated coconut, bakery & confectionery items, breakfast cereals & snacks, food additives, and others. Validation of method The test method has been validated according to the guidelines given by the European Commission Joint Research Centre for food samples and uses positive (European Certified reference materials) and negative control samples in order to assure the best qualitative results. Who we help Our testing facility has been utilised by the Food Control Administration Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka for the screening of imported seeds and food products as well as local farmers, manufactures and exporters to certify their products are free from GM food materials. Contact us View price list

Legal & Ethical Guidelines GRI will conform with all existing Laws of Sri Lanka regarding the performance of scientific research. Where such Laws do not exist, we will seek guidance from regional and international Laws. GRI will act as a responsible scientific entity, and will maintain high ethical and legal standards at every stage of the research project. We will require the following from all external researchers: All projects involving human subjects or human specimens will be evaluated by a GRI institutional review board (IRB). Human subject research requires the approval of the GRI IRB as well as the IRB of the investigators' home institution. A written guarantee of the source, the collection methodology of the tested material and the end use of the data is required. For samples with restricted access such as protected or endangered species, the external researcher has to provide copies of permits or permission from relevant authorities. GRI retains the right to verify the legal and ethical status of any tested material, in consultation with relevant authorities or experts. GRI retains the right to terminate the research project at any time if it is discovered that that the tested material was obtained illegally or unethically. GRI will not be held responsible for any observations and conclusions made from such research, or for any subsequent action taken by any person in response to such observations and conclusions (except when the research is performed in collaboration with a senior scientist at GRI). Projects involving work with bio-hazardous agents will be reviewed and only undertaken if the specimens do not pose a significant risk to people working on the project or others. Only international shipments that are compliant with local and foreign import/export regulations will be allowed.

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. A population genetic study of six X-STR markers among Sri Lankans and its applicability in resolving forensic and kinship case work in Sri Lanka. Hasna Riyal, Department of Zoology and Environment Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2016. Development of a low cost in-house method for the analysis of Y-chromosomal mini STR loci DYS19, DYS388 and DYS390. Anushika B.Sc., Department of Botany, Faculty of Applied Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2010. Isolation of OsRDEB2A Gene in Drought Tolerance and Susceptible Rice Varieties and Cloning of OsDREB2A Gene. Thanuja Denipitiya, B.Sc., Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2010. Rapid and specific genotyping system for major hepatitis B virus genotypes by PCR using type-specific primers. D. Palika. C. Vithana, B.Sc., Department of Botany, Faculty of Applied Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2010. Cloning and Characterization of the Promoter of OSR40c1 Gene (an ABA Responsive, Salinity Induced and Root Specific Gene) from Local Rice Germplasm A. Ishara Sandamali Atukorala, BSc. (Plant Biotechnology), Department of Plant Sciences, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2010. Phylogenetic analysis of Puntius bandula (Bandula Barb) of Sri Lanka using CO1 region of mitochondrial DNA- Tharaka Bhanuguptha, B.Sc. special in Zoology, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2009. Development of In-House Low Cost Laboratory Protocols for the Detection of Genetically Modified Food. M. H. Lichchavi Dhananjaya Rajasinghe, B.Sc. in Agricultural Technology & Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2009. Screening for the OSr40c1 gene (a novel ABA responsive salinity induced and root specific gene in local rice germplasm Gayani N. Wickramarathna, B.Sc. in Agriculture, Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2009. Optimization and establishment of DNA barcoding of tea varieties in Sri Lanka. E. D. Trashila S. Wickremasinghe, B.Sc. in Plant Biotechnology, Department of Botany, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2009. Development of a PCR-based Molecular Detection Assay for Thielaviopsis paradoxa in Coconut Fibre Dust (CFD). Nimhani. K. Perera, B.Sc., Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, 2009. Population study of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) core loci D3S1358, D5S818, D8S1179 short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms in Sri Lanka. W. Chatumal, B.Sc. in Natural Sciences, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Open University of Sri Lanka, 2008. Optimizing and field testing methods for DNA barcoding of birds in Sri Lanka. Irushinie R. Wedage, B.Sc., Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2008. Development of an in-house method for purification and characterization of Taq DNA polymerase. P. V. V. W. Gunathilaka, B.Sc., Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 2007. ​ ​ Anchor 1

Journal Publications Sathkumara, H. D., Merritt, A. J., Corea, E. M., Krishnananthasivam, S., Natesan, M., Inglis, T. J. J. & De Silva, A. D. (2018) Clinical, Bacteriologic, and Geographic Stratification of Melioidosis Emerges from the Sri Lankan National Surveillance Program. Am J Trop Med Hyg . 98(2), 607-615. Available from: doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0441 Grifoni, A., Weiskopf, D., Arlehamn, C. S. L., Angelo, M., Leary, S., Sidney, J., Frazier, A., Phillips, E., Mallal, S., Mack, S. J., Tippalagama, R., Goonewardana, S., Premawansa, S., Premawansa, G., Wijewickrama, A., De Silva, A. D. & Sette, A. (2018) Sequence-based HLA-A, B, C, DP, DQ, and DR typing of 714 adults from Colombo, Sri Lanka. Hum Immunol . 79(2), 87-88. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.humimm.2017.12.007 Patil, V. S., Madrigal, A., Schmiedel, B. J., Clarke, J., O'Rourke, P., de Silva, A. D., Harris, E., Peters, B., Seumois, G., Weiskopf, D., Sette, A. & Vijayanand, P. (2018) Precursors of human CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes identified by single-cell transcriptome analysis. Sci Immunol . 3(19). Available from: doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aan8664 Nanayakkara, K. K., Rodrigo, U. G., Perera, K. L. N. & Nanayakkara, C. D. (2017) Pre-natal diagnosis of thalassaemia in Sri Lanka: A ten year review. J Obstet Gynaecol . 37(7), 861-863. Available from: doi: 10.1080/01443615.2017.1306841 de Silva, W.S.I., Perera, M.M.N., Perera, K.L.N.S., Wickramasuriya, & A.M., Jayasekera G.A.U. (2017) In silico Analysis of osr40c1 Promoter Sequence Isolated from Indica Variety Pokkali. Rice Science, Vol. 24 (4): 228-234 Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.rsci.2016.11.002 . Gunasekara, J.M.A., Jayasekera, G.A.U, Perera, K.L.N.S. & Wickramasuriya, A.M, (2017) Development of a Sri Lankan rice variety Bg 94-1 harbouring cry2A gene of Bacillus thuringiensis resistant to rice leaffolder [Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée)]. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 45(2): 143–157. Available from: doi: 10.4038/jnsfsr.v45i2.8180 Goonawardhana, N.D.S., Jayasekara, G.S.K.W., Elanahai, V., Udagama, P.V., & Fernandopulle N.D. (2017) Population genetic data for ten miniSTR loci in the Sri Lankan population. International Journal of Legal Medicine. 131(4):969-970. Available from: doi: 10.1007/s00414-016-1512-3 Tian, Y., Babor, M., Lane, J., Schulten, V., Patil, V. S., Seumois, G., Rosales, S. L., Fu, Z., Picarda, G., Burel, J., Zapardiel-Gonzalo, J., Tennekoon, R. N., De Silva, A. D., Premawansa, S., Premawansa, G., Wijewickrama, A., Greenbaum, J. A., Vijayanand, P., Weiskopf, D., Sette, A. & Peters, B. (2017) Unique phenotypes and clonal expansions of human CD4 effector memory T cells re-expressing CD45RA. Nat Commun. 8(1), 1473. Available from: doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-01728-5 Grifoni, A., Angelo, M. A., Lopez, B., O'Rourke, P. H., Sidney, J., Cerpas, C., Balmaseda, A., Silveira. C. G. T., Maestri, A., Costa, P. R., Durbin, A. P., Diehl, S. A., Phillips, E., Mallal, S., De Silva, A. D., Nchinda, G., Nkenfou, C., Collins, M. H., de Silva, A. M., Lim, M. Q., Macary, P. A., Tatullo, F., Solomon, T., Satchidanandam, V., Desai, A., Ravi, V., Coloma, J., Turtle, L., Rivino, L., Kallas, E. G., Peters, B., Harris, E., Sette, A. & Weiskopf, D. (2017) Global Assessment of Dengue Virus-Specific CD4+ T Cell Responses in Dengue-Endemic Areas. Front Immunol. Available from: doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01309 Grifoni, A., Pham, J., Sidney, J., O'Rourke, P. H., Paul, S., Peters, B., Martini, S. R., de Silva, A. D., Ricciardi, M. J., Magnani, D. M., Silveira, C. G. T., Maestri, A., Costa, P. R., de-Oliveira-Pinto, L. M., de Azeredo, E. L., Damasco, P. V., Phillips, E., Mallal, S., de Silva, A. M., Collins, M., Durbin, A., Diehl, S. A., Cerpas, C., Balmaseda, A., Kuan, G., Coloma, J., Harris, E., Crowe Jr, J. E., Stone, M., Norris, P. J., Busch, M., Vivanco-Cid, H., Cox, J., Graham, B. S., Ledgerwood, J. E., Turtle, L., Solomon, T., Kallas, E. G., Watkins, D. I., Weiskopf, D. & Sette, A. (2017) Prior Dengue virus exposure shapes T cell immunity to Zika virus in humans. J Virol. 91(24). Available from: doi: 10.1128/JVI.01469-17 Uehara, A., Tissera, H. A., Bodinayake, C. K., Amarasinghe, A., Nagahawatte, A., Tillekeratne, L. G., Cui, J., Reller, M. E., Palihawadana, P., Gunasena, S., De Silva, A. D., Wilder-Smith, A., Gubler, D. J., Woods, C. W. & Sessions, O. M. (2017) Analysis of Dengue Serotype 4 in Sri Lanka during the 2012-2013 Dengue Epidemic. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 97(1), 130-136. Available from: doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0540 Krishnananthasivam, S., Jayathilaka, N., Sathkumara, H. D., Corea, E., Natesan, M. & De Silva, A. D. (2017) Host gene expression analysis in Sri Lankan melioidosis patients. PLoSNegl Trop Dis . 11(6). Available from: doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005643 Krishnananthasivam, S., Sathkumara, H. D., Corea, E., Natesan, M. & De Silva, A. D. (2017) Gene Expression Profile of Human Cytokines in Response to Burkholderia pseudomallei Infection. mSphere . 2(2). Available from: doi: 10.1128/mSphere.00121-17 Grifoni, A., Angelo, M., Sidney, J., Paul, S., Peters, B., de Silva, A. D., Phillips, E., Mallal, S., Diehl, S. A., Botten, J., Boyson, J., Kirkpatrick, B. D., Whitehead, S. S., Durbin, A. P., Sette, A. & Weiskopf, D. (2017) Patterns of Cellular Immunity Associated with Experimental Infection with rDEN2Δ30 (Tonga/74) Support Its Suitability as a Human Dengue Virus Challenge Strain. J Virol . 91(8). Available from: doi: 10.1128/JVI.02133-16 Natesan, M., Corea, E., Krishnananthasivam, S., Sathkumara, H. D., Dankmeyer, J. L., Dyas, B. K., Amemiya, K., De Silva, A. D. & Ulrich, R. G. (2017) Calprotectin as a Biomarker for Melioidosis Disease Progression and Management. J Clin Microbiol. 55(4), 1205-1210. Available from: doi: 10.1128/JCM.02284-16 Angelo, M. A., Grifoni, A., O'Rourke, P. H., Sidney, J., Paul, S., Peters, B., De Silva, A. D., Phillips, E., Mallal, S., Diehl, S. A., Kirkpatrick, B. D., Whitehead, S. S., Durbin, A. P., Sette, A. & Weiskopf, D. (2016) Human CD4+ T cell responses to an attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine parallel those induced by natural infection, in magnitude, HLA restriction and antigen specificity. J Virol . 91(5). Available from: doi: 10.1128/JVI.02147-16 Bodinayake, C. K., Tillekeratne, L. G., Nagahawatte, A., Devasiri, V., Kodikara Arachichi, W., Strouse, J. J., Sessions, O. M., Kurukulasooriya, R., Uehara, A., Howe, S., Ong, X. M., Tan, S., Chow, A., Tummalapalli, P., De Silva, A. D., Østbye, T., Woods, C. W., Gubler, D. J. & Reller, M. E. (2016) Emergence of Epidemic Dengue-1 Virus in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 10(10). Available from: doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004995 Kamaral, L. C. J., Dassanayaka, P. N., Perera, K. L. N. S. & Perera, S. A. C. N. (2016) SSR markers reveal the population structure of Sri Lankan yellow dwarf coconuts (Cocos nucifera L.). Tree Genetics & Genomes 12, 116. Available from: doi: 10.1007/s11295-016-1076-x Kirupananthan, R., Kamaral, L. C. J., Galhena, G. H., Perera, K. L. N. S. & Magamage, M. P. S. (2016) Address the public health and food security concerns of babesiosis through molecular detection of Babesia bovis in suspected carrier cattle of selected localities in Sri Lanka. Procedia Food Science 6: 213-219. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.profoo.2016.02.053 Weiskopf, D., Angelo, M. A., Grifoni, A., O'Rourke, P. H., Sidney, J., Paul, S., De Silva, A. D., Phillips, E., Mallal, S., Premawansa, S., Premawansa, G., Wijewickrama, A., Peters, B. & Sette, A. (2016) HLA-DRB1 Alleles Are Associated With Different Magnitudes of Dengue Virus-Specific CD4+ T-Cell Responses. J Infect Dis. 214(7), 1117-1124. Available from: doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiw309 de Alwis, R., Bangs, D. J., Angelo, M. A., Cerpas, C., Fernando, A., Sidney, J., Peters, B., Gresh, L., Balmaseda, A., de Silva, A. D., Harris, E., Sette, A. & Weiskopf, D. (2016) Immunodominant Dengue Virus-Specific CD8+ T Cell Responses Are Associated with a Memory PD-1+ Phenotype. J Virol. 90(9), 4771-4779. Available from: doi: 10.1128/JVI.02892-15 Olsen, A., Chen, Y., Ji, Q., Zhu, G., De Silva, A. D., Vilchèze, C., Weisbrod, T., Li, W., Xu, J., Larsen, M., Zhang, J., Porcelli, S. A., Jacobs Jr, W. R. & Chan, J. (2016) Targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-Downregulating Genes for the Development of Antituberculous Vaccines. MBio. 7(3). Available from: doi: 10.1128/mBio.01023-15 Tissera, H., Amarasinghe, A., Gunasena, S., De Silva, A. D., Yee, L. W., Sessions, O., Muthukuda, C., Palihawadana, P., Lohr, W., Byass, P., Gubler, D. J. & Wilder-Smith, A. (2016) Laboratory-Enhanced Dengue Sentinel Surveillance in Colombo District, Sri Lanka: 2012-2014. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 10(2). Available from: doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004477 Weiskopf, D., Angelo, M., Zapardiel, J., Seumois, G., De Silva, A., De Silva, A. D., Vijay, P., Peters, B. & Sette, A. (2016) DENV-specific CD4 T-cells dominantly recognize capsid-derived epitopes and display a cytotoxic phenotype. J Immunol . 196 (1). Available from: https://www.jimmunol.org/content/196/1_Supplement/147.13/tab-article-info Padumadasa, C., Perera, K. L. N. & Sankalpani, E. M. N. (2016) DNA intercalation and cleavage studies of plumbagin and phenanthroline-based Cu(II) complex, [Cu(PLN)(PHEN)]NO3. Int J Chem Stud. 4(4), 87-90. Available from: https://www.chemijournal.com/archives/?year=2016&vol=4&issue=4&ArticleId=282&si=false Fernando, A. N., Malavige, G. N., Perera, K. L. N., Premawansa, S., Ogg, G. S. & De Silva, A. D. (2015) Polymorphisms of Transporter Associated with Antigen Presentation, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukin-10 and their Implications for Protection and Susceptibility to Severe Forms of Dengue Fever in Patients in Sri Lanka. Journal of Global Infectious Diseases. 7(4): 157–164. Available from: doi: 10.4103/0974-777X.170501 Weiskopf, D., Cerpas, C., Angelo, M. A., Bangs, D. J., Sidney, J., Paul, S., Peters, B., Sanches, F. P., Silvera, C. G., Costa, P. R., Kallas, E. G., Gresh, L., de Silva, A. D., Balmaseda, A., Harris, E. & Sette, A. (2015) The Human CD8+ T-Cell Responses Against the 4 Dengue Virus Serotypes Are Associated With Distinct Patterns of Protein Targets. J Infect Dis . 212(11), 1743-1751. Available from: doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiv289 ​ ​ Page 2 of 3 1 2 3

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.

Dr. Maya Gunasekera Founder of Genetech 1961 - 2006 Dr. Maya Gunasekera founded Genetech in 2002 to develop the field of biotechnology in Sri Lanka. She pioneered the use of DNA testing in forensic casework in Sri Lanka, and was involved in almost all DNA typing tests done in Sri Lanka until the time of her death. Research teams led by Maya developed the first DNA probe for the malaria vector, Anopheles culicifacies, introduced a new molecular test for the early diagnosis of dengue, pioneered genetic work on the Sri Lankan elephant and resolved the taxonomic status of a fruit bat species complex. In 1999, Maya gave expert evidence on DNA typing for the Hokandara murder trial making history as the first court case to accept DNA evidence in Sri Lanka. Maya had been involved in many national and international ventures. She served as a consultant for several committees of the Government Ministries, including the National Task force for Dengue prevention and control. At the National Science Foundation, Colombo, she served as the Chairperson of the Working Committee on Biotechnology. She also served as the Governor for International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) representing Sri Lanka, and as the coordinator for the drafting of National Policy and Guidelines for the safe use of Recombinant DNA Technology in Sri Lanka. Maya was not only a dedicated researcher but also an excellent teacher. As a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, she co-coordinated the development of the syllabus for the first BSc Special degree programme in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry offered at a university in Sri Lanka. She taught people from various walks of life and delivered numerous lectures to police officers, lawyers, doctors and school children. She primarily focused on teaching and sharing her expertise on the application of DNA technology. Even when she was not in the best of health, she continued to do her duty towards society with immense courage and dedication. She received many awards in appreciation of her work both by local and international bodies. The International Foundation for Science in Sweden awarded their Jubilee Award to Maya in 2003 in recognition of her work. The Third World Academy of Sciences, Italy and the NSF, Colombo together awarded her the Young Scientist Award in Biology in 2002. Maya received one of the David Fussy Alumni scholarships, granted to only three persons per year from all the Commonwealth countries. Subsequently, she obtained a PhD in Molecular Parasitology from the National Institute for Medical Research in Mill Hill, London. The award for excellence in research by the University of Colombo, NSF – Sri Lanka Merit Award for Biotechnology, British Council Assert Award and President’s Research Bonus Award were also among the long list of her achievements. Prior to obtaining her PhD, Maya studied at Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo and obtained her BSc degree with First Class Honours from the University of Colombo. She also worked as a Research Assistant at the Malaria Research Unit of the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.

Oligonucleotide and Gene synthesis Oligonucleotide/Primer synthesis ​ We offer primer synthesis services covering different concentration scales from 0.025 to 1µmole. Different purification options using techniques such as desalt, MOPC, HPLC and PAGE are available as per requirement of the customer. ​ We also offer primer modifications such as fluorescent labelling, non-fluorescent modifications, dark quenchers and internal modifications. Gene synthesis We offer customised gene synthesis services in a plasmid DNA state with a free cloning service, as well as free DNA sequencing to confirm the sequence of the gene. Our customised gene synthesis service offers to generate genes based on the sequence requirement of the customer. With our free cloning service, the synthesised gene is made available in a plasmid DNA state. Our free sequencing service guarantees 100% sequence accuracy. Contact us

Frequently Asked Questions What are the internships/training programmes/courses currently being offered at Genetech? ​ A summary of the internships/training programmes/courses offered is given in the following document. Can foreigners/non-Sri Lankan individuals apply? Is there a difference in programme/course fee? ​ Yes anyone can apply, there is no difference in the programme course fee charged. What is the duration of the internships/programmes/courses offered and on what days will these be conducted? ​ They are normally held on consecutive working days over the stipulated duration (excluding holidays and weekends) from 9.30am to 4.30pm. ​ *Please note that there can be slight modifications to the times and dates specified. What are the prerequisite qualifications required to enrol in an internship/training programme/course at Genetech? ​ No prerequisite qualifications are required to enrol in any internship/training programme/course at Genetech. Enrolment can be done by paying the required fee on or before the starting date and filling in a form with your details on the starting date. Do you charge an extra registration fee? ​ No, 10% of the final fee is normally taken as the registration fee in order to reserve your place for the relevant internship/programme/course as limited places will be available, this fee is non-refundable and needs to be paid before five working days of the scheduled start date. Do you offer any paid internships or any training programmes/courses free of charge or discounted rates? ​ No, we do not offer any paid internships or training programmes/courses free of charge or at discounted rates. Do you offer accommodation, meals and/or transport services for trainees/interns? ​ We do not offer accommodation, meals or transport services to participants at this time. How can I receive more information or ask specific questions about the available internships/training programmes/courses at Genetech? ​ Further queries can be sent to the Genetech School of Gene Technology by contacting +94112696992 or via the official email address info@genetechsrilanka.com . Can I carry out my research work at Genetech? ​ Yes, we can provide the facilities to accommodate undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD research work related to the Molecular Biology and Gene Technology. Do you offer acceptance letters for visa applications? ​ Yes, contact info@genetechsrilanka.com for more information.

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. ​

Technical Services Genetech Research Institute offers technical services in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry-related ventures. We will provide analytical services as required by an external researcher: GRI will analyse samples provided by the external researcher using established protocols at GRI or detailed protocols provided by the external investigator. Samples will be analysed by the technical staff of Genetech and results will be reported to the external researcher. The external researcher will be charged a fee based on the number of samples and type of analysis. GRI will not be held responsible for any observations and conclusions made from this research.

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. 57 ,500 Lectures: Rs. 34,500 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

Quality Control DNA typing is a highly specialised procedure which requires knowledge and skill. Furthermore, for DNA typing evidence to be acceptable in a Court of Law, it has to meet certain quality standards, which have been well documented and followed by forensic DNA laboratories worldwide. Accordingly in 2010, we became the first DNA typing laboratory in Sri Lanka to achieve ISO 15189:2007 (now 15189:2012) accreditation from Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB). We at Genetech are proud to announce that every step of our DNA typing process meets these international standards. ​ At Genetech, our quality standards cover all aspects of DNA typing, including qualified and experienced personnel, the latest equipment, and the best of chemicals and reagents. The entire process is performed to generate error-free results which can be verified by any laboratory in the world. ​ Personnel: Genetech has the most experienced and qualified personnel in the field of DNA typing in Sri Lanka. They have pioneered DNA typing in this country, and have laid the foundation for the application of this technology in Sri Lanka. Equipment: We are a fully equipped organisation which has the ability to perform automated fragment analysis in the exact manner required by the standards. Our equipment are regularly calibrated to ensure error-free functioning. Laboratory management: All aspects of laboratory management and documentation are performed to meet the ISO 15189 standards. Aspects of confidentiality, security and independence have been diligently maintained. Technical quality: The type of DNA testing done by us is the latest, most accepted method known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based analysis of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). This method is presently accepted by the forensic community as the method of choice because of its sensitivity, accuracy, rapidity and cost effectiveness. The type of genetic test: STR loci (genetic locations) which are tested by us are those that are well-studied and regularly used by the forensic community. These include loci found on autosomes, and X and Y chromosomes. The STR loci tested by us are among the most accepted, internationally. These STR loci have also been tested for their suitability to be used for the Sri Lankan population, and they have been proven to be statistically suitable. There is also an established Sri Lankan population database for these loci which enables such DNA evidence to be presented to a Court of Law. In addition to STR testing, we also conduct mitochondrial DNA analysis as required, to assist tracing of maternal lineages. Error minimisation: In order to minimise the possibility of error, we will maintain standards of validation and verification. The analysis of casework samples will be done alongside internationally used standard human DNA, and the results of the casework analysis will be subject to comparison with these DNA standards. Negative controls will be run at every step of the analysis procedure in order to ensure that no cross-contamination of DNA has occurred. Reporting: Once DNA typing results are generated, they are stored in both a graphic format as well as in a numerical format. An individual's DNA profile can be submitted to a Court of Law in both formats. Our scientists can provide statistical interpretation of the results and express the accuracy of the test by statistical means, using data generated from the Sri Lankan human population databases. In order to be valid in a Court of Law, DNA evidence must be supported by statistical data. This data is obtained only by establishing a population database for the population group that is being tested. Therefore, only Sri Lankan population data can be used for such analyses.