Search Results

Explore career opportunities at Genetech in molecular biology, biotechnology, and more. Join our team of scientists, accountants, receptionists, and other professionals. Job Vacancies Apologies - We are not recruiting for any position at this time. Please check again later. You can follow our Facebook page, Instagram page and LinkedIn page to stay updated on job opportunities, internship opportunities, and the services we offer at Genetech.

Discover Dr. Maya Gunasekera’s legacy: the visionary who transformed Sri Lanka’s biotech landscape through DNA forensics and diagnostics at Genetech. Dr. Maya Gunasekera Founder of Genetech 1961 - 2006 Dr. Maya Gunasekera founded Genetech in 2002 to develop the field of biotechnology in Sri Lanka. She pioneered the use of DNA testing in forensic casework in Sri Lanka, and was involved in almost all DNA typing tests done in Sri Lanka until the time of her death. Research teams led by Maya developed the first DNA probe for the malaria vector, Anopheles culicifacies, introduced a new molecular test for the early diagnosis of dengue, pioneered genetic work on the Sri Lankan elephant and resolved the taxonomic status of a fruit bat species complex. In 1999, Maya gave expert evidence on DNA typing for the Hokandara murder trial making history as the first court case to accept DNA evidence in Sri Lanka. Maya had been involved in many national and international ventures. She served as a consultant for several committees of the Government Ministries, including the National Task force for Dengue prevention and control. At the National Science Foundation, Colombo, she served as the Chairperson of the Working Committee on Biotechnology. She also served as the Governor for International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) representing Sri Lanka, and as the coordinator for the drafting of National Policy and Guidelines for the safe use of Recombinant DNA Technology in Sri Lanka. Maya was not only a dedicated researcher but also an excellent teacher. As a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, she co-coordinated the development of the syllabus for the first BSc Special degree programme in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry offered at a university in Sri Lanka. She taught people from various walks of life and delivered numerous lectures to police officers, lawyers, doctors and school children. She primarily focused on teaching and sharing her expertise on the application of DNA technology. Even when she was not in the best of health, she continued to do her duty towards society with immense courage and dedication. She received many awards in appreciation of her work both by local and international bodies. The International Foundation for Science in Sweden awarded their Jubilee Award to Maya in 2003 in recognition of her work. The Third World Academy of Sciences, Italy and the NSF, Colombo together awarded her the Young Scientist Award in Biology in 2002. Maya received one of the David Fussy Alumni scholarships, granted to only three persons per year from all the Commonwealth countries. Subsequently, she obtained a PhD in Molecular Parasitology from the National Institute for Medical Research in Mill Hill, London. The award for excellence in research by the University of Colombo, NSF – Sri Lanka Merit Award for Biotechnology, British Council Assert Award and President’s Research Bonus Award were also among the long list of her achievements. Prior to obtaining her PhD, Maya studied at Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo and obtained her BSc degree with First Class Honours from the University of Colombo. She also worked as a Research Assistant at the Malaria Research Unit of the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. Anchor 1

Customizable course on molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases for professionals. Learn nucleic acid extraction, DNA probe development, PCR, and more. Molecular Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases This is a course which can be customised based on the request of degree awarding institutes, hospitals and groups of individuals such as lawyers, lecturers, scientists and teachers who wish to obtain a foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of molecular diagnostics. Course Content: Molecular Diagnostic Tools Extraction of nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) from different clinical specimens Development of DNA probes and nucleic acid hybridization PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) PCR-Hybridization 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

Discover specialized DNA typing services at Genetech, including paternity tests and forensic analysis, for precise identification and familial verification in Sri Lanka. DNA Typing Our passion to improve We pioneered the use of DNA typing for human identification for forensic casework and analysis of family relationships including parentage testing. We are a major supplier of this technology to the medico-legal community and the judicial system in Sri Lanka. Our reputation for integrity and reliability has made us the main provider of forensic DNA testing in the country. Over 4000 cases of disputed parentage and another 4000 criminal cases have had the advantage of DNA evidence through Genetech. What is DNA typing? DNA typing is a method of identifying individuals from the differences in their DNA. It is used for forensic casework as well as for determining familial relationships between individuals including paternity, maternity and siblingship. Advantages of DNA typing The science of DNA typing relies on technology that allows an individual's DNA to be examined and analysed. A person's DNA is unique: no two individuals (with the exception of identical twins) have the same DNA. Every cell in a person's body has the same DNA. Hence, DNA taken from any part of the body from the same individual will always be the same. DNA typing can be performed from many types of biological specimens including blood, saliva, sperm cells, muscle, teeth and bones. Thus, a person's DNA can be typed from very little tissue or body fluid. DNA typing is used for two major purposes: Identification of individuals from biological samples: This is mainly done in forensic casework, where it is possible to determine the identity of a criminal by typing the DNA left behind at the scene of the crime. Determination of familial relationships: This includes paternity testing, maternity testing, sibling testing, grand-parent testing, and even the identification of mutilated bodies. DNA typing is the best method of identifying individuals and determining familial relationships due to many reasons. It is extremely sensitive: with even a very small amount of tissue, the test can be performed successfully. It is also very accurate: it can give a test result with a very high degree of certainty. It is very reliable: the likelihood of obtaining a false result can be minimised, and the likelihood of making an error in the conclusion can be calculated. How does DNA typing work? In the DNA typing process, a DNA banding pattern or profile of an individual is first obtained from a tissue sample. The DNA profile is observed in the form of a set of DNA bands known as alleles. Each person has a maximum of two specific alleles for a given genetic location. This DNA profile is compared with the profile obtained from a sample taken from the scene of a crime. If the alleles in the two profiles match, then it can be said that the sample taken from the scene of the crime is from the individual that was tested. 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. View all Cost We are happy to announce that after much research and optimisation, we have streamlined our DNA typing methods, and we are therefore able to provide DNA typing services at a reasonable cost. We perform the same DNA typing tests which are used by internationally recognised laboratories, and maintain the same standards of quality so that the conclusions made by us can be verified by any accredited forensic DNA typing laboratory in the world. Contact us View Price List Quality control DNA typing is a highly specialised procedure which requires knowledge and skill. Furthermore, for DNA typing evidence to be acceptable in a Court of Law, it has to meet certain quality standards, which have been well documented and followed by forensic DNA laboratories worldwide. Accordingly in 2010, we became the first DNA typing laboratory in Sri Lanka to achieve ISO 15189:2007 (now 15189:2012) accreditation from Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB). Read more Accuracy of evidence DNA testing is the most accurate and reliable means of identity verification and parentage testing. The degree of accuracy of the test will depend on the genetic diversity of the Sri Lankan population as well as the number of genetic locations (STR loci) which are tested. There is no mandatory number of STR loci required for a test, but the testing of nine STR loci or more is generally considered to be sufficiently accurate. We test up to 15 STR loci. Read more Ethical Guidelines DNA typing is performed ethically only with the informed consent of the individual whose DNA is being typed. The persons concerned will be informed about the consequences of the test. Where such consent cannot be given such as in the case of minors, the consent of the guardian has to be obtained. We will not undertake samples for parentage testing without written consent from all living parties who will be tested. Read more Please contact us for personalised support on parentage and testing of other family relationships.

Genetech supports diverse student research in Sri Lanka, funding projects from PhD to BSc levels. Topics include forensic genetics, dengue vector studies, rice blast resistance, and chronic kidney disease. Student Projects Genetech has funded and facilitated student research projects for students from many universities in Sri Lanka. Anchor 1 Research leading to the award of PhD X-Chromosome markers for forensic genetics in Sri Lanka: development, validation and application of a novel 16 X-STR multiplex assay for the Sri Lankans. K. L. Nandika Perera, Ph.D., Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka. 2021 (Thesis Submitted). Population genetic and epidemiological investigation of the dengue vectors Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in Sri Lanka. M. D. Nirmani, Ph.D., Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2021 (Thesis Submitted). DNA marker assisted breeding of rice blast resistant genes into local rice. Ama Jayawardana, Ph.D. Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo; Rice Research and development Institute, Batalagoda, 2019 (Conducted partially at Genetech). View more MPhil and 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. 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). View more 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. View more

Early diagnosis is crucial for canine health. Our PCR-based tests detect Parvovirus, Ehrlichiosis, and more. Trust us for accurate results. Animal Testing What is Parvovirus and why is early diagnosis essential? Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious pathogen primarily affecting dogs. This virus can also infect other mammals including cats. If untreated, the risk of death may be high. Thus, a rapid and early diagnosis could save their lives. Detection of the virus can help you select an appropriate treatment regimen for your animals, prevent the spread of the virus and save them from secondary infections. Why we recommend a PCR test over an ELISA test The sensitivity of an ELISA test depends on the Ag/Ab concentration and the availability. Thus, it could lead to false positive or negative results. In contrast, our PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test detects the viral genome and produces no false positive or negative results. This is because it is dependent on the availability of the virus but not its products or Abs. The positive result of an ELISA test can be caused by organisms other than the target. On the other hand, our PCR test detects genetic sequences unique to the target pathogen. Therefore, its specificity is much higher than an ELISA test. The accuracy of the ELISA test varies, and it depends on the Ag/Ab availability. Our PCR test offers a consistent accuracy of 99%. What is tick fever and why may early detection be crucial? Tick fever is a common canine disease in Sri Lanka which is caused through the bite of an infected tick carrying an insidious and deadly organism. Scientifically, it is known as Canine Ehrlichiosis and Canine Babesiosis. Early detection may prevent the dog from experiencing severe anemic conditions caused by the disease due to the highly pathogenic nature of it. Furthermore, the specific detection will help choose a suitable treatment regimen for your dog. Why microscopy and antibody tests are not ideal Some stages of the parasite life cycle cannot be observed through the microscope. Therefore, the probability of obtaining false results is high. It takes several days to develop antibodies against a certain infection in the body. Hence, it is difficult to diagnose the infection early. Antibodies may be present in the body even after the disease is cured. Thus, if the test is done after the infection is cured, the result may be false positive. What we offer We are the first firm to provide a PCR based animal disease testing service in Sri Lanka. We offer tests which detect Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Canine Babesiosis and Canine Ehrlichiosis. In addition to animal disease testing, we provide a cattle parentage testing service through the use of DNA typing. Contact us View price list

Explore diverse research on genetic variation, virological surveillance, and forensic DNA evidence in Sri Lanka, presented at various academic conferences and symposiums. Conference Papers and Communications Page 2 of 2 De Silva, A. D., Perera, N., Abeysekera, D. M. & Elvitigala, J. P. (2009) Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) isolates in Sri Lanka utilizing the Mycobaterium interspersed repetitive units(MIRU) typing method. Respire, Inaugural symposium of the association of pulmonologists. De Silva, A. D., Samarasinghe, K. S. R. G. S. L., Abeysekera, D. M. & Elvitigala, J. P. (2009) Screening for IS6110 zero copy number strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Sri Lanka Genetech Research Institute, Colombo 8, Chest Hospital, Welisara. The Bulletin of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, volume 7, Issue 1. Muthunayake, T., Dangalle, C., Fernandopulle, N. & Weerakoon, D. (2009) Genetic analysis of morphologically non-identifiable translocated Puntius bandula population at Salgala using CO1 region of mt DNA. Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Forestry and Environment Symposium, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka. 1 (1), 66. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335926117_Genetic_analysis_of_morphologically_non-identifiable_translocated_Puntius_bandula_population_at_Salgala_using_CO1_region_of_mtDNA Wickramasinghe, E. D. T. S. L., Fernandopulle, N. D. & Hettiarachchi, P. L. L. (2009) DNA barcoding of Sri Lankan Tea - A method to secure ownership in the international trade. Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Forestry and Environment Symposium, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka. 1 (1), 68. Samaradivakara, S., Gunasekera, I., Mendis, B., Karunaratne, U., Jayathunga, T., Sledgers, R. & Fernandopulle, N. (2009) Preliminary study on DNA barcoding of cinnamon varieties in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Forestry and Environment Symposium, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka. 1 (1), 69-70. Fernando, A., Samaradivakara, S., De Silva, A. D., Baranage, G., Herath, I., Fernandopulle, N. D., Padmalal, K. & Ranawaka, G. R. R. (2009) DNA Barcoding of the Sri Lankan Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus or Loris lydekkerianus?) A preliminary report. Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Forestry and Environment Symposium, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka. 1 (1), 74. Available from: http://repository.ou.ac.lk/handle/94ousl/1845 Rajasinghe, M. H. L. D., Fernandopulle, N. & Perera, A. L. T. (2009) Detection of Genetically Modified Soy Food in Sri Lankan Supermarket, Paper Presented at the Proceedings of the Peradeniya, University Research Sessions, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.Vol:14 (1) pp: 16-18. Perera, A. N. K., Logendra, B., Fernandopulle, N. D. & Attanayaka, D. P. S. T. G. (2009) Development of a PCR-based molecular Detection Assay for Thielaviopsis paradoxa in Coconut Fibre Dust. Proceedings of 9th Agricultural Research Symposium, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 326-331. Tissera, H. A., De Silva, A. D., Abeysinghe, M. R. N., de Silva, A. M., Palihawadana, P., Gunasena, S., Tam, C. C., Gamage, T. M., De Silva, T., Rajapaksa, L. C., Amarasinghe, A., Letson, G. W. & Margolis, H. S. (2009) Dengue Surveillance in Colombo, Sri Lanka: Baseline seroprevalence among children. Procedia in Vaccinology . 2(1) 110–114. Available from: doi: 10.1016/j.provac.2010.03.020 Gunathilaka, P. V. V. W., Fernandopulle, N. D. & Attanayaka, D. P. S. T. G. (2007) Development of an in-house method for purification and characterization of Taq DNA polymerase. Proceedings of 7th Agricultural Research Symposium, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. 1 (1), 27-31. Fernandopulle, N. D. (2007) DNA typing for forensic and civil casework in Sri Lanka; a critical review. Proceedings of the 9th Indo-Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine & Forensic Sciences. Illeperuma, R. J. (2007) Y-Chromosome and Mitochondrial DNA reference data bases for Sri Lankan Human Population, 9th Indo-Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine & Forensic Sciences. OP-72 p83. Markalanda, D. A., Illeperuma, R. J. & Fernandopulle, N. D. (2007) Establishment of a Differential extraction of Male and Female DNA from sexual assault samples - 9th Indo-Pacific Congress on Legal Medicine & Forensic Sciences. Fernandopulle, D. N., Senevirathna, D. B., Ranaweera, D. M., Abeysekara, D., Perera, N., Kanakaratne, N., Jayasinghe, S., Samaraweera, P. & De Silva, A. (2007) Detection of HCV Genotypes among Sri Lankan Patients by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The Bulletin of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists Vol 5. Seneviratne, D. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2006) Development of a low-cost in-house RT-PCR assay for the detection of hepatitis C virus. Annual Sessions of the Post Graduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Abbas, R., Senevirathne, D., Ranaweera, D. & Fernandopulle, N. D. (2006) DNA-based detection of Herpes Simplex virus 1 and 2 in clinical samples and its usefulness as a screening test for viral encephalitis. Proceedings of the 62nd Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Wahala, M., Messer, W., Kanakaratne, N., Perera, N., Seneviratne, D., Ranawake, G. R., Shahani, A., Ruberu, D., Gunasekera, M. B. & De Silva, A. M. (2005) Virological parameters of recent dengue hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Sri Lanka. Annual sessions of PUBMED, National institutes of Health, USA. Seneviratne, D., Gamage, P., Baranage, G., Jayasinghe, S., Shahani, A., Somaiah, S., Fernandopulle, N. D. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2004). Screening for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by an in-house reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based assay (2004) The Bulletin of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists Vol 2 (1). Fernandopulle, N. D., De Silva, V., Perera, N., Jayathilake, M. M., Pieris, D., Balawardana, J., Perera, M. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2004) Screening for Philadelphia Chromosome by an in-house Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) based assay. Proceedings of the 60th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Illeperuma, R. J., Fernandopulle, N. D., Senevirathna, D., Baranage, G., Perera, N. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2004). A comparison of theoretical and observed statistical data in paternity testing by DNA analysis. Proceedings of the 60th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Jayathilaka, S., Weerasinghe, R. & Fernandopulle, N. (2004) Predicting ethnic origin from DNA by neural networks. Proceedings of the 6th International Information Technology Conference IITC 2004, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Baranage, G., Seneviratne, D., Gamage, P., Ranawaka, G., Perera, N., Illeperuma, R., Ruberu, D., Shahani, A. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2004) Screening of febrile cases for early diagnosis of dengue and identification of dengue virus type using in-house diagnostic kits based on polymerase chain reaction. The Bulletin of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists Vol 2 (1). Illeperuma, R. J., Fernandopulle, N. D., Senevirathna, D., Baranage, G., Perera, N. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2004) DNA-based testing as a social phenomenon in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 60th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Ranawaka, G. R., Gamage, P., De Silva, V., Fernando, A., Seneviratne, D. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2003) Evaluation of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-agarose gel electrophoresis assay with a PCR-hybridization assay for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Proceedings of the 59th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Gamage, P., Seneviratne, D., Herath, C. A., Fernandopulle, N. D. & Gunasekera, M. B. (2003) Polymerase chain reaction based detection of cytomegalovirus infection in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 59th Annual Sessions of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. 1 2

Accurate Bird DNA Sexing for breeders, pet owners, and conservationists. Non-invasive, 99.9% accurate testing with quick, reliable results. Submit your sample today! Bird DNA Sexing Why DNA Sexing Matters Accurate sex determination is essential for breeding, conservation, and pet ownership, particularly in monomorphic species where males and females appear identical. Even in species with visible differences between males and females, gender traits often develop only in adulthood. Knowing a bird’s sex is crucial for forming proper breeding pairs, helping breeders, and providing important information to pet owners and buyers before selling birds. Sample Collection Process To submit a sample for Bird DNA Sexing, 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 (such as the bird’s name, ring number, or cage number). 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 We provide 99.9% accurate molecular sexing for a wide range of bird species. Our method is non-invasive, typically using feathers, though blood and other tissues are also accepted. The process is quick, efficient, and cost-effective, delivering reliable results for bird owners, breeders, and conservationists. Contact us View Price List Sample Acceptance Sheet

Discover Genetech’s legacy through Dr. Maya Gunasekera’s vision, leading Sri Lanka in biotech and forensic innovation. Our Leadership Dr. Maya Gunasekera Founder of Genetech 1961 - 2006 Dr. Maya Gunasekera founded Genetech in 2002 to develop the field of biotechnology in Sri Lanka. She pioneered the use of DNA testing in forensic casework in Sri Lanka, and was involved in almost all DNA typing tests done in Sri Lanka until the time of her death. Research teams led by Maya developed the first DNA probe for the malaria vector, Anopheles culicifacies, introduced a new molecular test for the early diagnosis of dengue, pioneered genetic work on the Sri Lankan elephant and resolved the taxonomic status of a fruit bat species complex. In 1999, Maya gave expert evidence on DNA typing for the Hokandara murder trial making history as the first court case to accept DNA evidence in Sri Lanka. READ MORE Dhammika Gunasekera Owner of Genetech and Managing Trustee of Genetech Research Institute (GRI) Dhammika Gunasekera is the Owner of Genetech after the demise of his beloved wife Dr. Maya Gunasekera, the Founder of Genetech. He is also the owner of Dienge purveyors of handcrafted silver, fine art, gems and jewellery. Dhammika greatly values generosity and helps a large number of people and institutions financially. For example, he has given donations to the Sri Lanka Cancer Society, sponsored the Devapathiraja College (a school founded by his grandfather Sir Ernest De Silva) Rugby team in Rathgama, a rural area in Sri Lanka and met university tuition fees of students. READ MORE Dr. Nandika Perera Head of Forensic DNA Typing and Parentage Testing Dr. Nandika Perera joined Genetech in early 2004 soon after its inception and was part of the pioneering team led by late Dr. Maya Gunasekera, who introduced molecular diagnostics and DNA typing services to Sri Lanka. In subsequent years, he was promoted to the post of Senior Scientist and in 2010, he became the Head of the Parentage Testing Section. Currently, he is also the Head of Forensic DNA typing and has provided more than 2500 DNA typing reports to the Sri Lankan Judiciary. He together with his team has established several in-house molecular diagnostic tests including a test for prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia disease. READ MORE Samudi Mohotti Senior Scientist Samudi Mohotti commenced her professional career at Genetech as a Scientific Officer at the division of parentage testing in 2004. In subsequent years, she was promoted to the post of Senior Scientist and currently oversees the entire process of parentage testing. She is one of the most experienced scientists in the field of DNA typing and has contributed to submit over 3,000 DNA test reports for civil and criminal cases to the Sri Lankan Judiciary. She took part in the development of an allele frequency databases of autosomal STR markers for Sri Lankans ethnicities and co-authored a journal paper in a high-impact journal, Forensic Science International: Genetics. READ MORE

Join Genetech in Colombo for top molecular biology courses and internships. Get expert DNA services for parentage, disease, genetically modified food testing, animal testing, and more. Industry Based Training Programme This is a full-time programme designed to provide practical training in the applications of Molecular Diagnostics and basic methods in gene technology. It will consist of some lectures to provide students with the necessary theory to understand the applications of these topics, practicals to receive hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and demonstrations covering topics in these subject areas. This programme will be beneficial to local and foreign students awaiting entry into tertiary degree programmes (university) as well as for students that are currently enrolled in tertiary programmes. Dates: 9 - 20 December 2024 (excluding weekends) Duration: 10 weekdays LEARN MORE Our Firm Genetech is a multi-faceted institution and our activities can be broadly categorised into the following areas: Molecular disease diagnostics DNA typing for paternity testing and forensic casework Teaching of basic to advanced molecular biology Training of personnel involved in molecular biology Genetically modified (GM) and other food testing Sex determination of birds Diagnostics of animal diseases Research in the molecular life sciences Customised biotechnology solutions Molecular biology products Read our story View our services Long term internships and research opportunities 6 weeks and upwards Customised individual programmes available CONTACT US Our Leadership Our leaders at Genetech set the policies and the strategic direction of the firm. Collaborating with each other, their knowledge and experience come together to make a positive impact for all our stakeholders - students, patients, healthcare providers and local and global communities. Dr. Maya Gunasekera Founder of Genetech (1961 - 2006) View Profile The working culture is built by leaders who believe empathy is absolutely vital. This is demonstrated by talking and listening to people, understanding what they care about, adapting to their needs and catering to what they want. Dhammika Gunasekera Owner of Genetech and Managing Trustee of Genetech Research Institute View Profile Dr. Nandika Perera Head of Forensic DNA Typing and Parentage Testing View Profile Samudi Mohotti Senior Scientist View Profile Testimonials "The Advanced Certificate Course in Molecular Techniques for DNA Fingerprinting and the Internship Program were exceptional experiences that exceeded my expectations. The program offered abundant hands-on training, allowing me to refine my skills in DNA fingerprinting and genetic testing while gaining exposure to the latest advancements in molecular diagnostics and forensics. The supportive and approachable staff provided personalized guidance, ensuring a deep understanding of both foundational and advanced techniques. This practical, skills-focused approach made me industry-ready, and I was able to secure a job in the same field shortly after completing the program—a true testament to its quality and relevance. This course was worth far more than the investment, offering unparalleled opportunities to improve skills, expand knowledge, and gain a competitive edge in the job market. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to advance their career in molecular biology and diagnostics." Nimasha Liyanagedara, B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. Read more Our Values Positivity Our commitment to sustain a positive environment for our employees as well as our clients is one of the key factors that sets us apart from our competitors Collaboration Collaboration is at the core of everything we do. We enjoy interacting with various types of people whilst appreciating the cultural diversity that they bring to the community. Excellence Delivering excellence has always been our main focus as we love inspiring and elevating the communities we touch. Integrity We always act with integrity, and we have strong moral and ethical principles to be followed at all times regardless of the consequences. Read more

Learn about Genetech’s commitment to ethical DNA typing with informed consent, strict confidentiality, adherence to legal provisions, and clear result interpretation. Ethical Guidelines DNA typing is performed ethically only with the informed consent of the individual whose DNA is being typed. The persons concerned will be informed about the consequences of the test. Where such consent cannot be given such as in the case of minors, the consent of the guardian has to be obtained. We will not undertake samples for parentage testing without written consent from all living parties who will be tested. In the instance of criminal casework, we adhere to provisions in the Law, with respect to taking samples from suspects, victims and other living individuals involved in the case. Strict confidentiality will be maintained at all times with respect to individuals being tested. The results of DNA typing tests and the conclusions drawn from them will be divulged only to the persons being tested, and Courts of Law which order such tests. The test result will be given in a numerical format; a Scientist from Genetech will interpret the results, drawing a clear, unambiguous conclusion, and express it in simple terms. DNA typing is performed by analysing non-coding regions of an individual's DNA. It does not give the analyst any information about the ethnicity, race, social background, physical or mental make up of that person. Therefore, no other genetic information will be retrieved from an individual's DNA.

Discover Genetech’s innovative DNA/RNA extraction and PCR amplification kits, tailored for research and industrial needs. Click to explore our customizable solutions! Product Development Our research projects often aim for a final product which can range from developing a new diagnostic test to a commercial nucleic acid extraction or amplification kit. Research and development projects have given rise to Genetech's new product line. DNA and RNA extraction kits We have developed a wide range of DNA/RNA extraction kits such as viral RNA/DNA extraction kits, Bacterial genomic and plasmid DNA extraction kits, plant DNA extraction kits, human and other animal genomic DNA extraction kits. The kits are starting from 25 prep size and are scaled up to 100s to meet the wide array of requirements found in the research community. For optimum results, we also provide customised extraction kits for low yielding starting materials like insect and bone samples. PCR amplification kits We offer customised conventional and real time PCR amplification kits (Ready mix PCR kits) for both DNA and RNA. This can be integrated with primer designing and PCR optimisation as required for the best results. Industrially important kits We offer to develop industrially important test kits to meet specific needs. For example, White Spot Syndrome Virus Detection Kit for shrimps was developed for the shrimp farm industry, based on customer requirements. You can contact us to discuss your specific requirement. We are able to design and develop customised kits for a wide variety of industrial needs. Contact us