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 Two outdated drug and toxicology laboratories were also reconstructed to meet international standards and equipped with modern instruments and reference materials, ensuring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.”