Rape continues to be the most frequently reported crime in Sri Lanka, with 2,252 cases of sexual harassment and nearly 130,000 instances of domestic violence recorded in 2024 alone—underscoring the urgent need to strengthen forensic DNA capabilities to ensure justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, says a report by the  United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka.

It said:  Given the critical role of DNA evidence in sexual violence cases, particularly rape and grave sexual abuse, strengthening the DNA laboratory of the Government Analyst Department (GAD) of Sri Lanka is essential to respond effectively to enable access to a timely and accountable justice process for women, girls and gender minorities affected by SGBV.

Through the ‘Ensuring Justice for Victim/survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Sri Lanka’ project, funded by the Government of Canada, and implemented by the UNDP in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with UNFPA and the Government of Sri Lanka, an internationally recognized expert in DNA analysis will work closely with the GAD over a 4 month period. The expert will assess current systems, infrastructure and technology, and provide recommendations to enhance capacity and effectiveness.

Commenting on the importance of such an intervention, Sandya Rajapaksa, Government Analyst Department, stated, “We are grateful for the support rendered by Dr. Neil Fernandopulle through the UNDP towards implementing short, efficient methods to serology analysis for SGBV cases, where the current workflow is often lengthy. We are also seeking to improve our Standard Operating Procedure to ensure uniformity, and high-quality documentation on sexual assault case processing and enhance Report Writing and results interpretation, specifically for SGBV cases.”

Elaborating further, she noted, “Following this intervention, we seek to address case backlogs through strategic coordination with law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of case productions per case by focusing on essential evidence only. By reducing unnecessary submissions and streamlining casework, laboratories will be able to focus on complex and high-priority cases like SGBV. This approach not only helps to reduce the backlog and improve turnaround times for SGBV cases but also strengthens the quality and credibility of forensic evidence presented in court.”

The project aims to empower survivors of SGBV to access justice, receive improved services, and live in a society free from violence. It focuses on three key areas: enhancing agency and decision-making, improving multi-sectoral coordination and service quality, and fostering positive social norms and behaviours to prevent SGBV.

Highlighting UNDPs role in bringing in technical expertise, Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka, noted, “Strengthening the forensic capacity of Sri Lanka’s justice system is a critical step toward ensuring that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are met with timely, credible, and compassionate responses. We are humbled to support the Government Analyst Department in their effort to further enhance their technical capabilities and system transformation for greater efficiencies through the deployment of an expert.”

Dr. Neil Fernandopulle, currently the Quality Assurance and Technical Manager for Biology at the Centre of Forensic Sciences, Ontario, Canada, is an expert in forensic DNA analysis. With a specialist background in quality management, forensic serology, and a Doctorate in Molecular Biology from the University of Colombo, Dr. Fernandopulle brings both local insights and global expertise to this initiative.

Dr. Neil Fernandopulle, commenting on his engagement with the DNA Laboratory of the Government Analyst Department, said, “Like all forensic science disciplines, forensic DNA analysis must be performed to the highest standards of quality and technical excellence. DNA analysis is often called the ‘gold standard’ in forensic science because it is governed by internationally recognised best practices, which help to ensure the reliability of DNA evidence in the courtroom. A deep review of the Serology and DNA procedures in the Government Analyst Department will shed light on their current quality management system and their technical capabilities and resources. It will also include an assessment of how DNA evidence is collected, submitted, tested and reported, and will involve a review of some of the practices of the police, judiciary and medical authorities that are involved in the entire process. I look forward to a productive interaction with the Department.”

Currently, the GAD faces a backlog of over 4000 cases. Dr. Fernandopulle will work closely with the department to identify existing gaps and introduce international best practices aimed at improving efficiency and accuracy. This mission will culminate in a comprehensive assessment report that will guide wider stakeholders, including the Sri Lanka Police and the Ministry of Justice, on DNA sample collection, submission, scheduling, and cost structures.

The report will also recommend procedural improvements to streamline case processing, optimise workflows, and reduce delays. Additionally, the exercise will advise stakeholders on the integration of new technologies and methods to enhance laboratory performance and support policy reforms that promote accountability and transparency in DNA testing for SGBV cases.