Peradeniya Uni's new laboratory to study genetically modified produce

A national referral laboratory costing USD 250,000 was opened by Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, Professor M. D. Lamawansa.

The national referral laboratory is for the study and identification of genetically modified organisms. Professor Lamawansa said that this laboratory would serve the country by educating people on genetically modified food. He added that the University has a duty towards the country beyond teaching.

The implementation of the National Biosafety Framework is in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB), and is being implemented by the Environment Ministry with the help of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) since 2017.

Professor (Ms) P. C. G. Bandaranayake said that the project objective was to strengthen Sri Lanka's regulatory institutional and technical capacities for the effective implementation of the National Referral Framework in conformity with the Cartagena Protocol.

She added that FAO selected the Agricultural Biotechnology Centre as the national consultant of the project, and for developing secondary and tertiary education materials, and signed an agreement with the University.

Director Ms Bandaranayake said that the Agricultural Biotechnology Centre of the University of Peradeniya will be the apex body of testing new method development; and testing of legal samples will be an asset to the country.

Dr (Ms) Padma Abeykoon of the Environment Ministry said that biotechnology is the main technology used in the agricultural sector to develop or make useful products. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) made through modern biotechnology have many benefits and risks. It may have adverse impacts on biological diversity and human health; these are not yet known.

Dr Abeykoon added that Sri Lanka had ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2004. The Environment Ministry acts as the national focal point for the CPB while the Biodiversity Secretariat coming under is purview acts as the implementation centre of actions.

Dr Abeykoon said that scientific evidence is needed to understand whether genetically modified organisms are safe for consumption. However, it is not easy for consumers to trust these crops as they don't fit into the category of 'entirely natural'. This is where the GMO technology analysis comes into play. The testing helps to properly label products and provide the consumer with adequate information, so they can decide whether they wish to consume the product or not. Laboratory analysis is very important for this risk analysis process as well.

FAO representative Sharan Kimlentra, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Professor S S Kodituwakku, FAO National Project Manager S Gunawardene also addressed the gathering.