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Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) What is PBFD? Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is a viral infection caused by a circovirus, primarily affecting parrots, cockatoos, and other psittacine birds. This virus leads to feather abnormalities and changes in beak formation. PBFD spreads through feather dust, faeces, and contaminated surfaces. The infection can be deadly in young birds and, in some cases, adult birds, as they may carry the virus without showing symptoms. As there is no specific treatment for PBFD, early detection is crucial for effective management through stringent quarantine and hygiene practices. Sample Collection Process To submit a sample for PBFD screening, follow these steps: Pluck 5-6 feathers from the bird’s chest area. Place the feathers in an envelope or a plastic zip-lock bag. Label the envelope or zip-lock bag with your bird ID (name, ring number, cage number, or other preferred identification). Complete the sample acceptance form and submit it along with the samples (available at the Genetech Reception or downloadable here ). You can submit the samples in person or by courier to: Genetech 54 Kitulwatte Road, Colombo 00800 For mail or courier submissions, place the sealed samples and completed sample acceptance form inside an envelope. We will notify you once the samples have been received. What we offer At Genetech, we offer a PCR-based screening test for PBFD using feather or blood samples. Contact us View Price List Sample Acceptance Sheet

Application Process 01 CV Submission Send us your CV to info@genetechsrilanka.com if you believe your profile matches our requirements for a job advertised on our website. Please make sure you meet the essential requirements before applying for any role. 02 First Interview If we find your CV impressive and your profile meets our requirements after reviewing, we will invite you to an interview with our senior scientists/recruitment team to further assess your skills and get to know you more. The majority of the interview will be strength based, and you can view our top interview tips to help prepare yourself. We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment practices are barrier-free, and as inclusive as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who require them to perform to the best of their ability. 03 Final Interview If we find your performance at the first interview great and better than most candidates who applied for the same position, we will invite you to the final stage of our recruitment process – an interview with our CEO. 04 Offer Finally, the best candidate(s) will be invited to join our team at Genetech.

Journal Publications Perera, N., Galhena, G. & Ranawaka, G. (2021) X-chromosomal STR based genetic polymorphisms and demographic history of Sri Lankan ethnicities and their relationship with global populations. Scientific Reports 11:12748. Available from: doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-92314-9 ​ Perera, N., Galhena, G. & Ranawaka, G. (2021) Development of a 16 X-STR multiplex PCR system for kinship analysis and its applicability for the Sinhalese population in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Legal Medicine. 135:161–166. Available from: doi: 10.1007/s00414-020-02450-6 ​ Nirmani, M. D., Perera, N. S. & Galhena, G. H. (2021) Population genetic dynamics of dengue vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Sri Lanka: Baseline study for designing Wolbachia control method. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science. 41:1809–1821. Available from: doi: 10.1007/s42690-020-00395-2 View More Conference Papers and Communications Nirmani, M. D., Perera, K. L. N. S. & Galhena, G. H. (2020) A preliminary virological surveillance of field-caught adult Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) mosquitoes in selected sites in the District of Colombo and Gampaha of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Annual Research Symposium 2020, University of Colombo; 44. ​ De Mel, W. D. Y., Illeperuma, R. J., Fernando, S. P., Pusweldeniya, B. M. J. & Padmalal, U. K. G. K. (2019) Genetic variation of Elephas maximus maximus in Maduru Oya national park in Sri Lanka, age 2019: International Conference on Agriculture, Green Economics and Energy, Sapporo, Japan, 2019. ​ Perera, N., Galhena, G. & Ranawaka, G. (2019) Development of a novel X-chromosomal STR based dacaplex PCR assay for the kinship analysis of Sinhalese population. Proceedings of the Open University Research Sessions (OURS 2019), Open University of Sri Lanka, P19. Available from: https://ours.ou.ac.lk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Abastracts-Open-University-Research-Sessions-October-2019-19-20.pdf View More

Genetech Research Institute Genetech Research Institute (GRI) is a private, not-for-profit organisation that has been established with the vision of allowing objective oriented, independent scientific research in the field of life sciences in Sri Lanka. GRI has a staff of scientists and technical staff as well as a state-of-the-art Molecular Biology and Biochemistry research laboratory. GRI welcomes external researchers to inquire about collaborating with its scientific staff to carry out research in an efficient, dynamic environment. GRI is supported technically and scientifically by Genetech, which is Sri Lanka's first biotechnology company, and the premier practitioner of biotechnology in Sri Lanka. Publications Our scientists have contributed immensely in numerous journal publications and scientific conferences related to Molecular Biology. Student projects We have funded and facilitated undergraduate and postgraduate projects for students from many universities in Sri Lanka. Collaborative projects Collaboration is at the core of everything we do, and this includes working effectively with external researchers. Technical Services Our technical staff analyse samples provided by external researchers and deliver accurate results. Research Policies Our policies allow external researchers to access various facilities that will help meet their objectives. Legal & Ethical Guidelines We conform with all existing Laws of Sri Lanka regarding the performance of scientific research.

BSc Research Projects X-Chromosomal recombination – A family study analyzing 7 X-STR loci in Sinhalese. Ruvini Wijithalal, B.Sc. special in Zoology, Department of Zoology and Environment Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2019. Detection of gene polymorphism in angiotensinogen protein among chronic kidney disease patients in Sri Lankan population. Sathiyamoorthy Kabaskar, B.Sc. (Hons) in Biomedical Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, British College of Applied Studies (BCAS Campus), 2018. Detection of gene polymorphisms in angiotensin II type 1 receptor among chronic kidney disease patients in Sri Lankan population. Shiyamnesh Ganesh, B.Sc. (Hons) in Biomedical Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, British College of Applied Studies (BCAS Campus), 2018. A population genetic study of six X-STR markers among Sri Lankans and its applicability in resolving forensic and kinship case work in Sri Lanka. Hasna Riyal, Department of Zoology and Environment Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2016. Development of a low cost in-house method for the analysis of Y-chromosomal mini STR loci DYS19, DYS388 and DYS390. Anushika B.Sc., Department of Botany, Faculty of Applied Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2010. Isolation of OsRDEB2A Gene in Drought Tolerance and Susceptible Rice Varieties and Cloning of OsDREB2A Gene. Thanuja Denipitiya, B.Sc., Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2010. Rapid and specific genotyping system for major hepatitis B virus genotypes by PCR using type-specific primers. D. Palika. C. Vithana, B.Sc., Department of Botany, Faculty of Applied Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2010. Cloning and Characterization of the Promoter of OSR40c1 Gene (an ABA Responsive, Salinity Induced and Root Specific Gene) from Local Rice Germplasm A. Ishara Sandamali Atukorala, BSc. (Plant Biotechnology), Department of Plant Sciences, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2010. Phylogenetic analysis of Puntius bandula (Bandula Barb) of Sri Lanka using CO1 region of mitochondrial DNA- Tharaka Bhanuguptha, B.Sc. special in Zoology, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2009. Development of In-House Low Cost Laboratory Protocols for the Detection of Genetically Modified Food. M. H. Lichchavi Dhananjaya Rajasinghe, B.Sc. in Agricultural Technology & Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2009. Screening for the OSr40c1 gene (a novel ABA responsive salinity induced and root specific gene in local rice germplasm Gayani N. Wickramarathna, B.Sc. in Agriculture, Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, 2009. Optimization and establishment of DNA barcoding of tea varieties in Sri Lanka. E. D. Trashila S. Wickremasinghe, B.Sc. in Plant Biotechnology, Department of Botany, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2009. Development of a PCR-based Molecular Detection Assay for Thielaviopsis paradoxa in Coconut Fibre Dust (CFD). Nimhani. K. Perera, B.Sc., Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, 2009. Population study of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) core loci D3S1358, D5S818, D8S1179 short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms in Sri Lanka. W. Chatumal, B.Sc. in Natural Sciences, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Open University of Sri Lanka, 2008. Optimizing and field testing methods for DNA barcoding of birds in Sri Lanka. Irushinie R. Wedage, B.Sc., Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2008. Development of an in-house method for purification and characterization of Taq DNA polymerase. P. V. V. W. Gunathilaka, B.Sc., Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 2007. ​ ​ Anchor 1

GRI Research Policies for External Researchers Genetech offers scientific expertise, technical services and laboratory facilities for research projects. External researchers will have access to all the following services: ​ Bench space and access to all equipment at GRI Scientific and technical expertise of GRI permanent staff Common chemicals and supplies Assistance in ordering and receiving research supplies Library, computer and internet facilities at GRI Short term sample storage at 4 C, -20 C and -80 C. Coordination of international shipment of specimen (subject to local and international export/import regulations) Above services can be obtained under following broad categories, with the flexibility to accommodate the individual researcher's requirements.

Improvement with innovation Research is the foundation of all our activities. Whilst most of the methodologies we adopt have been researched and developed by us, research is constantly being conducted to optimise and improve our methods. Not-for-profit research We have a not-for-profit research division known as Genetech Research Institute (GRI), which is managed by a Board of Trustees headed by Dhammika Gunasekera. Learn more Active involvement locally and globally GRI is the pioneer not-for-profit private scientific research facility in Sri Lanka, and has in its short history been able to receive research grants from national and international granting bodies. We also actively take part in scientific sessions and symposia locally and internationally. Our welcoming culture Our research facility welcomes independent researchers, undergraduate and graduate research students as we believe diversity is important in creating future-ready solutions using cutting-edge technology.

Our Services Molecular Diagnostics Sex Determination of Birds DNA Sequencing Product Development DNA Typing Animal Testing Oligonucleotide and Gene synthesis Student Projects GM and Other Food Testing Courses & Internships Customised Biotechnology Solutions Collaborative Research

Courses and Internships Our vision and mission Our teaching facility is designed and organised with Dr. Maya Gunasekera’s original vision in mind, which is “anyone interested in this subject should be given the opportunity to learn it”. Therefore, we offer training programmes aimed at providing a comprehensive knowledge of basics to advanced molecular biology. This includes coursework and well-structured practical training in laboratory methods in molecular biology under the guidance of practicing scientists. Genetech School of Gene Technology offers training programmes in areas including disease diagnostic methods of molecular medicine for medical officers, forensic DNA typing for medico-legal personnel, laboratory management for technical officers and courses on gene technology for post-Advanced Level, undergraduate and graduate level students. View FAQs A large number of undergraduate and graduate level students have undergone training at Genetech as interns and research students. At present, research students and technicians that trained at Genetech are contributing immensely to the field of Molecular Diagnostics through various organisations islandwide. Internships We offer internship opportunities for local and foreign students who wish to work in an active molecular life science facility and obtain hands-on experience in a wide range of molecular biology techniques. Furthermore, our interns will be supervised by experienced scientists to actively engage in some short-term research and devise innovative solutions to complex challenges in this field. By choosing to do an internship at Genetech, you will avail yourself of an opportunity to work in a scientific environment which is quite unique in Sri Lanka. You will be able to work alongside scientists who are amongst the most experienced personnel in the molecular life sciences and learn in an environment that is fast-paced and exciting. Being a testing laboratory, Genetech is constantly working against time to deliver molecular biology-based testing services. Being a research institute, Genetech is always keen to branch out into new areas. Being a training organisation, Genetech can provide you with an opportunity to learn from practicing scientists and be mentored by experienced teachers whilst conducting research in a well-equipped facility. Courses The objective of these courses is to give all our students a comprehensive understanding of the essential principles of the subject. It aims to give each category of students a degree of knowledge and skill which would help meet the requirements of institutes of higher education and research anywhere in the world, and also help to accelerate the career development of personnel requiring a non-professional level of skill in molecular biology, such as medical and medico-legal personnel. View our internships 5 Day Practical Training Programme for A Level Students Advanced Certificate Course in DNA Fingerprinting Industry Based Training Programme Laboratory Practical Courses for A/L Students and Teachers Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technology Molecular Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases Certificate Course in Gene Technology If you are interested in doing an internship or course at Genetech, please submit the Inquiry Form below or email us at info@genetechsrilanka.com to receive further details. View Inquiry Form

Research leading to the award of MPhil Determination of Population Structure of Yellow Dwarf Coconut Population in Sri Lanka Department of Botany. Chandima Kamral, M.Phil., Faculty of Applied Science, University of Sri Jayawardanapura; Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwila, Sri Lanka, 2015 (partially conducted at Genetech). Morphological and molecular identification of Oreochromis niloticus and its hybrids present in selected reservoirs in Sri Lanka. Saroopa Samaradivakara, M.Phil, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2009. Establishment of DNA based HLA Typing in Sri Lanka for forensic and transplant purposes. Induwara Gooneratne, M.Phil, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2007.​ MSc Research Projects Detection and confirmed of Brucella abortus in bovine aborted fetuses by PCR in selected localities in Sri Lanka. Samudi N. K. Mohotti, M.Sc., Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2017. Genetic characterization and molecular phylogeny of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Sri Lanka based on COI gene. H.A.K.M. Dharmarathne, M.Sc., IBMBB, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2016. HLA Typing of MHC Class I Molecules by PCR & Sequencing in Sri Lanka. Rashmi Tippalagama, M.Sc., IBMBB, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2012. Molecular epidemiology of Dengue virus. Barathy Logendra, M.Sc. in Experimental Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Science University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2010. ​ Molecular Characterization of Chikungunya Virus isolates in Sri Lanka. Ishara Herath, M.Sc in Experimental Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Science University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2010. Molecular Characterization of human Cytomegalovirus in a cohort of immunocompromised patients in Sri Lanka. Imalka M. W. Gunasekera, M.Sc in Experimental Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Science University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2010. ​ Suitability of using SSR markers to differentiate tissue cultured and other Musa varieties. Fintan. S. Gonsal, M.Sc. Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2009. ​ Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in Sri Lanka utilizing the mycobacterium interspersed repetitive units (MIRU) typing method. Nandika Perera, M.Sc. Molecular Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2009. Development of a single step reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay to detect chikungunya virus in clinical samples. Navodhi Wickremasinghe, M.Sc. in Experimental Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Science University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2009. Determination of sensitivity of multiplex and duplex PCR in the determination of Marek's disease virus. Shamini Akushla Wickramage, M.Sc in Experimental Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Science University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2009. ​ Establishment of a Molecular Diagnostic System for Detecting Human Papillomavirus in Clinical Samples. Rubatharshini Ambikaibakan, M.Sc. in Experimental Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Science University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2008. Development of a low cost multiplex PCR-based diagnostic assay for Down Syndrome. A. Mary Renuka Fernando, M.Sc. in Experimental Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Science University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2008. Determination of the sensitivity of PCR based non-radiolabeled hybridization for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. K.A.D. Ravi Vishwajith, M.Sc. in Experimental Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Science University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2006. Establishment of a molecular diagnostic system for detecting Y-chromosomal microdeletions which cause male infertility. Thiruchelvam Kariharan, M.Sc. in Experimental Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Science University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka 2006. ​ ​ ​

DNA Typing Services Child custody and maintenance: In cases where one parent is claiming the custody and maintenance of a child and the other parent is refusing to accept parentage. Proof of adultery: Especially in divorce cases where the paternity of the child is suspect, and the wife is being accused of adultery, DNA typing can be used to determine whether the husband is the father of the child. Rape, which has resulted in pregnancy: DNA typing of tissue samples from the mother, child and suspected offender can be analysed to determine whether he is the father of the child. Testamentary cases: When a deceased person's wealth is to be distributed among his or her heirs, it is sometimes necessary to determine who the heirs are. DNA typing can be used to prove blood relationship to the deceased individual. Immigration: Individuals and families interested in establishing a proven biological link to their relatives ultimately enhance their chances of a successful application for immigration. Identity testing in cases involving immigration may include answering questions of paternity, maternity, and sibling relationships. Twin studies: DNA typing can be used to determine whether twins are identical or not. Identification of mutilated bodies: When a deceased person's body is mutilated and cannot be identified directly, such as in fire, vehicle accidents, bomb blasts, or due to prolonged burial, it is possible to identify these persons by comparing their DNA profiles with that of their close relatives'. Murder, violent assault, robbery: In these cases, a sample of tissue from the criminal is sometimes found at the scene of the crime, and if there is a suspect, DNA typing can very accurately determine whether the sample of tissue belongs to the suspect, thereby linking the suspect to the crime. Furthermore, a sample of tissue from the victim may be found on the criminal (such as blood stains on the criminal's clothing). Similarly, DNA typing can be used to determine whether the sample of tissue belongs to the victim in such cases, thereby connecting the suspect to the victim. Rape and other sexual offences: In these cases, semen and saliva samples may be obtained from the body and clothing of the victim. DNA typing can be used to determine whether the sample of tissue belongs to the suspect, thereby linking the suspect to the crime. In such cases, DNA typing can be used very effectively to identify the criminal only if the offense is reported immediately, and DNA samples are taken as soon as possible. Establishment of identity in insurance claims: It is often necessary to establish the identity of a claimant in life insurance claims. DNA typing can determine the relationship of the claimant to the insured individual. DNA typing is also extremely effective in identifying individuals who have died in accidents or by other causes, and whose bodies have been severely mutilated making conventional identification impossible. Hence, DNA typing can be used to confirm the death of the insured person. Establishment of a criminal DNA profile data bank: Many countries have enacted legislation to establish a DNA databank, containing profiles from individuals convicted of specific crimes, especially violent crimes and sexual offences. Law enforcement agencies search these databanks for matches with DNA profiles from biological evidence of unsolved crimes. Using these databanks, law enforcement agencies have been successful in identifying suspects in cases thought to be unsolvable. Such databases are also a powerful deterrent to crime because the criminal knows that his DNA profile is on record. ​

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technology (18 hours) This course is suitable for school-level, undergraduate and graduate students, and those engaged in scientific research, diagnostics and teaching which involves Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technology. ​ Theory: Guidelines for PCR Principle of PCR Critical factors for successful PCR Designing PCR primers Standard practices in a PCR Laboratory Troubleshooting and prevention of carryover contamination Optimization strategies for PCR PCR product analysis: Detection of PCR products by gel electrophoresis Methods of purification and quantification of PCR products Methods of labelling of PCR products (PCR probes) and visualization of label Cloning of PCR products: TOPO cloning DNA sequence analysis of PCR product PCR Applications: Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis Short Tandem Repeat (STR) (micro-satellite) analysis Multiplex PCR Reverse Transcription (RT)-PCR PCR-ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) In-situ PCR Quality Control/Quality Assurance of PCR assays ​ Practicals: Extraction of DNA from cells, blood stains for PCR A standard PCR assay Analysis of PCR products by agarose and acrylamide gel electrophoresis Strategies for optimization of PCR Purification of PCR products Labelling of PCR products Primer design using online sequence databases PCR-RFLP assay Multiplex PCR assay RT-PCR assay PCR-ELISA assay PCR troubleshooting ​ ​ View FAQs Contact us If you are interested in doing this course at Genetech, please submit the Inquiry Form below or email us at info@genetechsrilanka.com to receive further details. View Inquiry Form