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Two outdated drug and toxicology laboratories were also reconstructed to meet international standards and equipped with modern instruments and reference materials, ensuring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.”
The newly appointed Cabinet Committee tasked with ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of Sri Lanka’s public service held its inaugural meeting on Thursday (19) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya.
The Committee convened to discuss strategies to maintain seamless government operations in the face of potential disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict situation in the Middle East, with particular focus on energy resource management.
According to officials, the discussions emphasised sustaining essential government services, ensuring continued service delivery to the public, and addressing the operational challenges faced by public sector employees during the current circumstances. The Committee also examined measures to mitigate any disruptions that could affect day-to-day administrative and service functions across ministries and departments.
Key attendees at the meeting included the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government A. H. M. M. H. Abayaratne; Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Secretary to the
Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi; and senior secretaries from key ministries including Health and Mass Media, Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Energy, and Digital Economy.
Representatives from state institutions such as the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation were also present, highlighting the government’s focus on energy security as a central priority. The Committee’s deliberations underscored a coordinated approach to balancing uninterrupted public service delivery with effective management of limited energy resources amid the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
Observers note that the formation of this Cabinet Committee reflects the government’s proactive stance in safeguarding national administrative functions and ensuring that critical public services remain resilient during times of external pressures.The Committee is expected to meet regularly to monitor developments, evaluate emerging risks, and implement practical measures to maintain operational continuity across the public sector.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Friday lashed out at President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Parliament, accusing him of failing to uphold international law during wartime.
Premadasa said the President’s claim of neutrality ignored breaches of the UN Charter—including Articles 2.4 and 2.7—and other global conventions. “A neutral stance requires openly acknowledging violations,” he argued, criticizing the absence of ethical mechanisms to safeguard international law.
He also questioned the President’s handling of maritime issues, particularly whether Sri Lanka had been informed of the alleged attack on the Iranian vessel IRIS Dena, stressing that the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) permits only peaceful activity.
On the economic front, Premadasa condemned the government for missing a chance to buy Russian oil during a 30-day U.S. sanctions suspension.
He said attempts to advise the Foreign Ministry, including a meeting with the Russian Ambassador, yielded no progress.
Premadasa further ridiculed the government’s earlier dismissal of the QR code fuel system, noting that officials are now adapting to it.
Turning to broader economic concerns, he called for immediate negotiations with the IMF to secure a new agreement, warning that the current primary balance of 2.3 is unsustainable. He stressed the urgent need for a poverty-reduction program, highlighting that one-third of Sri Lankans live in poverty.
He also demanded that surplus Treasury funds be used to support relief packages, arguing billions in reserves could aid households struggling with income shortfalls.Concluding his address, Premadasa criticized the government for failing to prepare for foreseeable crises, leaving the country vulnerable.
Former Minister Johnston Fernando, his two sons, and three others were remanded by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court yesterday (20) until April 2, the court confirmed.
The suspects, including Fernando’s elder son Johan, younger son Jerome, and a former transport manager of Lanka Sathosa, are under investigation by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).
Authorities allege the Lanka Sathosa lorry was misused for operations linked to an ethanol company reportedly owned by Fernando, causing an estimated Rs. 2.5 million loss to the state.
Trump says US will ‘obliterate’ Iran’s power plants if Strait of Hormuz not open before 48-hour deadline
Showers may occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya district after 1.00 pm.
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