News
Korean NFS concludes four-year initiative enhancing Sri Lanka’s forensic drug analysis capacity
Korea’s National Forensic Service (NFS) has concluded a four-year initiative aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka’s forensic drug analysis capacity, under the project titled “Strengthen Capacity Building of Forensic Drug Analysis in the Criminal Justice System in Sri Lanka (2021–2025).”
A closing ceremony marking the successful completion of the project is scheduled to be held today (Oct. 31) at 10 am in Colombo, co-hosted by the NFS and Government Analyst’s Department (GAD). Senior officials from the Ministry of Justice, the KOICA Sri Lanka Office, and other partner institutions are expected to attend, reviewing the achievements of the past five years and exploring future avenues of cooperation.
The joint project—implemented by the NFS under Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)—was launched to enhance public safety and bolster trust in Sri Lanka’s judicial system through improved forensic infrastructure, systems, and human resources.
According to 2020 data, around 2.5% of Sri Lanka’s population is addicted to drugs, while 47.5% of the country’s prison population is serving time for drug-related offenses—figures that underline the urgency of building stronger investigative and analytical capabilities.
Under the initiative, Korea transferred advanced expertise for establishing a comprehensive Drug Analysis Database and state-of-the-art analytical techniques, enabling Sri Lankan authorities to independently detect and analyze narcotics. This has laid a scientific foundation for more effective responses to emerging synthetic drugs and trafficking networks.
Two outdated drug and toxicology laboratories were also reconstructed to meet international standards and equipped with modern instruments and reference materials, ensuring accurate and reliable test results. At the Judicial Medical Officer’s Office, an evidence management system was introduced to enhance the integrity and traceability of forensic evidence used in court proceedings.
In addition, the introduction of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) has revolutionized data management and report generation across forensic facilities, significantly boosting efficiency, transparency, and accountability in Sri Lanka’s criminal justice process.
The project also prioritized human capital development. Eight analysts from the Government Analyst’s Department were awarded Master’s degree scholarships in Korea, while a series of training and expert exchange programs were conducted to cultivate local expertise and promote long-term self-reliance in forensic science.
Recognized as a model success story of Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), the initiative reflects Korea’s growing role in supporting global justice and public safety efforts. The strengthened forensic framework is expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s ability to combat narcotics, improve judicial outcomes, and safeguard both Sri Lankan citizens and the Korean community residing in the country.
The NFS’s cooperation with Sri Lanka dates back nearly a decade, beginning with digital forensics and DNA analysis projects in 2015. Previous collaborations include the Capacity Building Project for Forensic Science in Sri Lanka (2015–2017), Training Program for Prosecutors (2017–2019), and Training Program for Forensic Science for the Government Analyst Department (2020–2023).
Looking ahead, the NFS plans to continue providing technical consultation and fostering new areas of collaboration based on the enduring partnership between the two nations.
NFS Director-General Dr. Lee Bong-woo described the project as a milestone in Korea–Sri Lanka cooperation:
“This project represents the culmination of ten years of accumulated Korean forensic expertise. It is more than a simple transfer of technology—it is a meaningful example of realising the values of justice and public safety. We will continue to build sustainable models of forensic cooperation with Sri Lanka and other partner countries around the world.”
Protesting Development Officers continued their hunger strike near the Presidential Secretariat, Colombo yesterday (01), for the seventh consecutive day.The protesters, who are members of the Lanka School Development Officers’ Association, are demanding that they be absorbed into the teacher service as they have served as teachers in state-run schools for nearly seven years.
Secretary of the Association, Viraj Manaranga, said the protesters were seeking an urgent meeting with the President. He added that a presidential aide had visited the protest site and offered to arrange for a meeting with the President on 03 Feb., but the union insisted on an earlier date. Manaranga warned that failure to grant a meeting could trigger a massive protest in Colombo today (02).
Four officers participating in the hunger strike have been hospitalised due to deteriorating health, while two more joined the fast on Saturday (31).
In a bid to raise awareness of their grievances, on 30 January a delegation of the All Island Development Officers’ Association visited Most Venerable
Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter, and subsequently with the Chapter’s Registrar, Ven. Dr. Medagama Dhammananda Thera. The prelates said promises that had been made to them should be fulfilled.
The protest began on 26 January as a satyagraha, after authorities failed to respond to repeated requests to integrate the officers into the teaching service. The escalation into a fast-unto-death underscores the protesters’ frustration over the prolonged delay
by Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon
The long-vacant post of Auditor General would be filled on 03 Feb., after months of controversy and delays, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake said on Friday (31) in Kandy.
The Constitutional Council met at the Parliamentary complex on Friday to discuss the appointment but failed to reach a decision on a suitable candidate. The President had previously proposed four names on four separate occasions, all of which were rejected. The Council is now set to consider the fifth nominee.
The post has remained vacant since April 2025, following the retirement of Chulanta Wickramaratne, who served as the 41st Auditor General. More than 10 months have passed without a permanent appointment.
Sources said a female officer in the Auditor General’s Department has been nominated again, though her previous recommendation was rejected due to some allegations against her.
Meanwhile, senior audit officer Dharmapala Gammanpila, with 31 years of service and the department’s most senior official, has received backing from the Mahanayake Theras of the three Nikayas, the Maha Sangha, and several civil society groups for appointment as the 42nd Auditor General.
Sources noted that the three civil society representatives on the Constitutional Council will play a crucial role in the final decision.
by Chaminda Silva and SK Samaranayake
Two 18-year-old youth were arrested by the Southern Division of the Western Province Crime Division on 31 January for allegedly aiding and abetting two murders carried out in Dehiwala and Kohuwala. ICE (crystal meth) was found in their possession at the time of arrest.
The suspects are residents of Mount Lavinia and Boralesgamuwa, according to the police. They are accused of having helped carry out a murder at a hotel in the Dehiwala Police Division on 9 January, 2026, and an attack on a person travelling in a three-wheeler at Bodhiyawatta, Kohuwala, on 12 December, 2025.
Police said the charges included sending photographs of the victims to a criminal living overseas.
Investigations revealed that the youth had acted under the direction of a criminal known as Sando.
Under the guidance of Janaka Kumara, Director of the Southern Division of the Western Province Crime Division, investigations are being led by Police Inspector Hemanta Kumara, assisted by Sub-Inspectors Prasanna Gunathilaka and Prasanna (40248), and Constables Chaminda (72987), Anil (79598), Kumar (88762), and Senanayake (19363), who are continuing the probe.
by Norman Palihawadane and Chaminda Silva
China executes four more Myanmar mafia members
No decision yet on ICC meeting to discuss Pakistan boycott
Shoulder injury casts doubt over Eshan Malinga’s T20 World Cup
Showers expected in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Western, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Central provinces
Development Officers threaten to intensify their protest
Auditor General to be appointed tomorrow
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Business5 days agoClimate risks, poverty, and recovery financing in focus at CEPA policy panel
-
Opinion4 days agoSri Lanka, the Stars,and statesmen
-
Business3 days agoHayleys Mobility ushering in a new era of premium sustainable mobility
-
Business3 days agoAdvice Lab unveils new 13,000+ sqft office, marking major expansion in financial services BPO to Australia
-
Business3 days agoArpico NextGen Mattress gains recognition for innovation
-
Business2 days agoAltair issues over 100+ title deeds post ownership change
-
Business2 days agoSri Lanka opens first country pavilion at London exhibition
-
Editorial3 days agoGovt. provoking TUs