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Korea-backed initiative modernises Sri Lanka’s forensic infrastructure
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
Sri Lanka has launched one of its largest nationwide missions against drug trafficking. When authorities discovered containers with suspicious, unidentified chemicals believed to be used in narcotics production, the findings sparked public concern and raised doubts about the country’s capacity to test such substances, as laboratories remain ill-equipped.
To address these concerns, the Government Analyst’s Department (GAD) has been strengthened with modern infrastructure, advanced technology, and specialised training through a project jointly implemented by the National Forensic Service (NFS) under Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The South Korean government committed US$4.5 million, providing forensic specialists and resources.
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Speaking to the Sunday Times, the Government Analyst of Sri Lanka, Sandya Kumudini Rajapakse, said the project aims to improve public safety and strengthen trust in the judicial system by enhancing the infrastructure, systems, and human resources dedicated to drug analysis.
Through this project, Sri Lanka’s forensic system has reached a significant milestone, as the National Forensic Service (NFS) of Korea announced the successful conclusion of the project, “Strengthening Capacity Building of Forensic Drug Analysis in the Criminal Justice System in Sri Lanka (2021–2025).”
This initiative has been recognised as one of Korea’s flagship Official Development Assistance success stories, demonstrating the strength of Korean forensic expertise. For Sri Lanka, the new capacity is expected not only to improve public safety but also to enhance the security of Korean nationals living in the country.
Highlighting the importance of the project and the need to strengthen forensic capabilities, Ms Rajapakse told the Sunday Times that about 2.5% of Sri Lanka’s population suffers from drug addiction, while drug-related offenders now account for around 60–65% of the prison population in 2025.
“Key achievements of this project spanned infrastructure development, technology transfer, and specialised training. On the infrastructure front, two outdated drug and toxicology laboratories were reconstructed to meet international standards and equipped with advanced analytical instruments and reference materials to ensure safe and accurate analyses,” said the GA. According to the GA, technological advancements include the transfer of expertise to establish a drug analysis database and advanced analytical techniques, enabling Sri Lanka to independently detect and analyse narcotics.
In addition, the National Forensic Service (NFS) introduced a laboratory information management system to streamline data handling and generate reports, significantly improving the efficiency and transparency of forensic operations. An evidence management system was also implemented at the Judicial Medical Officer’s Office, which handles autopsies, to strengthen the reliability of judicial procedures.
Discussing other facilities provided under the project, the Government Analyst said: “In terms of human resource development, eight analysts from the GAD were supported to pursue Master’s degrees in forensic science at SKK University (Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon) in South Korea. A stepwise education programme, including invited training sessions and expert despatches, was implemented to cultivate local experts and strengthen the foundation for technical self-reliance. Scientists were also given opportunities to receive hands-on training at the NFS institution in Korea.”
This project marks the latest phase in a long-standing collaboration, with the NFS assisting Sri Lanka in developing independent forensic capabilities for nearly a decade. The partnership began in 2015 with support in digital forensics and DNA analysis. Previous initiatives included the “Capacity Building Project for Forensic Science in Sri Lanka” (2015–2017) and specialised training programmes for GAD analysts and prosecutors from the Ministry of Justice of Sri Lanka. The project concluded on October 31 with a ceremony co-hosted by the NFS and the Government Analyst’s Department of Sri Lanka, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Justice and the KOICA Sri Lanka Office.
During the ceremony, NFS Director General Dr Lee Bong Woo said the project represents the culmination of 10 years of accumulated Korean forensic expertise. He emphasised that the initiative was “more than a simple transfer of technology; it is a meaningful example of realising the values of justice and public safety.”
The NFS stated that it intends to continue providing technical consultation and exchanges while exploring new areas of collaboration. Its leadership confirmed their commitment to building sustainable models of forensic cooperation with Sri Lanka and other partner countries around the world.
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