Discover our industry and laboratory-based molecular biology courses and internships for A Level, undergraduate, and graduate students. Join us at Genetech, Colombo. Courses and Internships 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 Hear from our students 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 local and foreign 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. View our internships 5 Day Practical Training Programme for A Level Students Advanced Certificate Course in DNA Fingerprinting Industry Based Training Programme Laboratory Practical Courses for A/L Students and Teachers Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technology Molecular Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases Certificate Course in Gene Technology 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

Explore a diverse range of services at Genetech, including paternity testing, molecular diagnostics, biology courses, food testing, DNA sequencing, and more. Our Services Molecular Diagnostics Sex Determination of Birds DNA Sequencing Product Development DNA Typing Animal Testing Oligonucleotide and Gene synthesis Student Projects GM and Other Food Testing Courses & Internships Customised Biotechnology Solutions Collaborative Research View Price List

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.

Explore diverse BSc research projects in genetics, biotechnology, and environmental science from various Sri Lankan universities, highlighting innovative studies and methodologies. 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

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.

Explore Genetech’s Bird DNA Testing services, including accurate Bird DNA sexing for sex determination and Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) screening. Ensure the health and correct identification of your birds with reliable testing. Bird DNA Testing Bird DNA Sexing Read More Read More Psittacine Beak & Feather Disease (PBFD) Read More Read More

Master PCR Technology in this 18-hour course. Ideal for students and professionals, covering PCR principles, applications, and hands-on practicals like DNA extraction, PCR assays, and troubleshooting. 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

Explore Genetech’s DNA typing quality control, upholding international standards with expert staff, cutting-edge methods, and stringent error checks. 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.

Learn about Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) and how Genetech offers a PCR-based test for early detection. Submit feather or blood samples for reliable PBFD screening. Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) What is PBFD? Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is a viral infection caused by a circovirus, primarily affecting parrots, cockatoos, and other psittacine birds. This virus leads to feather abnormalities and changes in beak formation. PBFD spreads through feather dust, faeces, and contaminated surfaces. The infection can be deadly in young birds and, in some cases, adult birds, as they may carry the virus without showing symptoms. As there is no specific treatment for PBFD, early detection is crucial for effective management through stringent quarantine and hygiene practices. Sample Collection Process To submit a sample for PBFD screening, 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 (name, ring number, cage number, or other preferred identification). 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 At Genetech, we offer a PCR-based screening test for PBFD using feather or blood samples. Contact us View Price List Sample Acceptance Sheet

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 64,500 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 120,000 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 Dhammika Gunasekera’s journey from Royal College head prefect to Genetech’s owner and philanthropic force in Sri Lanka. Dhammika Gunasekera Owner of Genetech and Managing Trustee of Genetech Research Institute (GRI) Dhammika Gunasekera is the Owner of Genetech after the demise of his beloved wife Dr. Maya Gunasekera, the Founder of Genetech. He is also the owner of Dienge purveyors of handcrafted silver, fine art, gems and jewellery. Dhammika greatly values generosity and helps a large number of people and institutions financially. For example, he has given donations to the Sri Lanka Cancer Society, sponsored the Devapathiraja College (a school founded by his grandfather Sir Ernest De Silva) Rugby team in Rathgama, a rural area in Sri Lanka and met university tuition fees of students. He was a partner at Messrs. U. N. Gunasekera, a construction firm in Sri Lanka established by his father. The first two five-star hotels in Sri Lanka, namely, Lanka Oberoi (Cinnamon Grand) and Ceylon Inter-Continental (Kingsbury) were built by this company. He graduated from Imperial College London in 1989 with first class honours in civil engineering (BEng). Broadening his horizons to the field of accountancy, he became a passed finalist of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka in 1986. Furthermore, he topped his batch in the Bachelor of Science degree that he completed at University of Colombo in 1984. He was also the head prefect of Royal College, Colombo in 1980.

Discover our customised biotechnology solutions: molecular characterisation, DNA testing, PCR, fragment analysis, cell/plant culturing, and sequencing. Partner with us for innovative research. Customised Biotechnology Solutions We have the personnel and the facilities to accommodate requests from various industries and researchers for customised solutions in the areas of molecular characterisation (microbes, plants and animals), DNA-based testing of environmental samples, molecular epidemiology and molecular systematics. We are prepared to work with fellow scientists from other institutions on inter-laboratory comparisons and method development. Our service encompasses the techniques based on conventional and real time PCR, automated fragment analysis, cell culturing, plant tissue culturing and sequencing (CES and NGS). Contact us View a list of our recent projects