1. Initiatives for the Development and Promotion of Biotechnology in Sri Lanka
Dr. M.C.N. Jayasuriya

2. Biotechnology in Perspective

3. The Global Scenario
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) opened for signature
Sri Lanka became a party to CBD in 1995 and signed the Cartagena Protocol in 2000 and ratified it on 28 April 2004

4. The Convention on Bio Diversity
Identifies biotechnology as a powerful tool for ensuring food security and for alleviating poverty
Recognizes the risks of genetically engineered organisms
Addresses the issue of biosafety

5. Products of biotechnology are increasingly used to meet the demand for food, shelter and health
The commercialization of biotechnology has become a major industry worldwide
Biotechnology may have both positive and negative impacts on socio-economic development and environment

6. In Sri Lanka:
Traditional Biotechnology – 1970’s ( tissue
culture in floriculture)
NSF – Special Committee formed in 1992
NRC & CARP funding Biotechnology Research
In Agriculture - National Agricultural Research
Policy for the period , formulated by the
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, has
identified biotechnology as a major thrust area in
priority setting and strategic planning in all
Sectors
But state patronage has not been significant

7. The need for National Policies on Biotechnology and Biosafety
in Sri Lanka

9. A National Policy on Biotechnology
In preparation
National Sub-Committee on Biotechnology and Biosafety

10. Vision   Towards sustainable development through the safe use of Biotechnology

11. Policy Statement
The development, application and promotion of biotechnology to ensure
sustainable progress and socio-economic development
of Sri Lanka
whilst protecting and conserving
the riches of nature

12. Definition of Biotechnology

13. Biotechnology has been defined in various ways by international and regional organizations and the global scientific community.
FAO, WHO
CBD
Commission of the European Communities
European Federation of Biotechnology
National Biotechnology Strategy for South Africa of June 2001

14. For the purpose of this policy document, which relates to the Sri Lankan context, Biotechnology is defined as:
‘All technologies involving the manipulation of organisms, cells and bio-molecules leading to industrial, agricultural, medical and environmental applications’.

15. Policy Framework

16. Scope of the Policy
This policy covers all biotechnologies. The coverage includes all aspects of operations related to biotechnology in all sectors.

17. Objectives
National Development Objectives
An adequate standard of living including adequate food, clothing etc. to its peoples
Sustainable development of the economy
Poverty alleviation
Creation of employment opportunities
Reduction of inequalities in income

18. Biotechnology Policy Objectives
The Government’s overall stance on biotechnology
Priority areas
Commitment, assistance and support available from the government
Assigning responsibility for achieving goals
Implementation and risk assessment
Promotion of R&D
Identification of monitoring mechanisms

19. General Principles Ownership Research and development
Economic asset and management responsibility of biodiversity
Promotion and regulation
International co-operation
Public awareness and education
Safety and ethical guidelines

20. General Principles…………………(cont.)
Import and export
Risk assessment and management
Transparency and information disclosure
Equitable sharing of benefits
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
The formal regulation

21. National Biotechnology Policy Statements
recognizing the importance of protecting the country’s biodiversity
recognizing the human and environmental health risks
realizing the need for developing our own capabilities in biotechnology through research and development and training
reaffirming the commitment to principles of the CBD and CPB,

22. The policy statements are related to:
Government Commitment, Planning and Management
Research and Funding
Legislation including patenting
Human Resource Development
Public Awareness
Industrial Applications and Trade
Information Exchange, Monitoring and Evaluation

23. THANK YOU

24. Government Commitment, Planning and Management
The government shall make a strong commitment to the sustainable development of biotechnology in Sri Lanka

25. Research and Funding
Prioritization of research areas in biotechnology shall be carried out based on the national development policy and with the concurrence of public and private S&T institutions and agencies responsible for such fields of activity (eg. Universities and National R&D Institutions)

26. Research and Funding
Appropriate institutions and centres that are currently involved in biotechnology research and development, shall be assisted to evolve as Centers of Excellence in different aspects of Biotechnology. Such Centers shall be networked to provide stronger rapport between the government, the public and the scientific community

27. Research and Funding
A funding mechanism shall be devised to support R&D and all other aspects of biotechnology. Co-ordination of research projects and transfer of skills and expertise shall be facilitated in order to increase the possibilities of using and monitoring the technology.

28. Legislation
Legislature shall be introduced to cover biotechnology applications and all related issues regarding human beings (eg. diagnosis, gene therapy, cloning and ethical assessment of research applications, etc).

29. Human Resource Development
Priorities in Human Resource Development in biotechnology shall be assessed and identified

30. Human Resource Development
S&T and management of biotechnology shall be developed and maintained at a high level by providing training, conducive environment for R&D, and incentives and rewards to attract and retain scientists and trained personnel.

31. Human Resource Development
Teaching of biotechnology shall be strengthened, both at secondary and tertiary levels, and continued professional development of teachers shall be facilitated.

32. Human Resource Development
Special courses in natural sciences, technology and ethics at academic level shall be offered to personnel, who in their professional activities come into contact with biotechnology issues and their ethical applications.

33. Public Awareness
Public awareness of biotechnology and potential risks/benefits, risk assessment and management techniques shall be enhanced, involving the community at large, policy makers, legislators, administrators, the private sector and biotechnology industries.

34. Industrial Applications and Trade
Safety standards shall be reviewed and updated at appropriate intervals to incorporate local and global changes in technology.

35. Industrial Applications and Trade
Mechanisms shall be identified to actively promote and facilitate transfer of research findings to industrial and other applications.

36. Industrial Applications and Trade
All Biotechnology units undertaking commercial production shall be treated as industry and would thus be eligible for all incentives to which industries are eligible.

37. Industrial Applications and Trade
The importation of biotechnology products shall be according to the National Biosafety Regulations.

38. Industrial Applications and Trade
Sri Lanka shall endeavor to implement local field trials of imported products or procedures to the extent of its ability, financed by the applicant, where existing data are regarded as inapplicable under local circumstances.

39. Information Exchange, Monitoring and Evaluation
Appropriate knowledge bases and infrastructure for information exchange shall be established and developed.

40. Information Exchange, Monitoring and Evaluation
The development and use of biotechnology shall be promoted for the continued welfare and socio-economic upliftment of the nation, while addressing the issues of biological safety, which may affect biodiversity of plants, animals, microorganisms, human health and environment.

41. Information Exchange, Monitoring and Evaluation
Priority shall be given to the establishment of an efficient research management system and the development of research infrastructure such as biotechnology information centers, biotech parks and other institutions involved in research, design, consultancy and information, in order to strengthen the facilities for the smooth transfer of technology and development of new products.

42. Information Exchange, Monitoring and Evaluation
A Master Plan for Biotechnology shall be established and used to implement the strategies and to develop the infrastructure and instruments outlined in this policy.

43. Commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka
 Support by way of financial & at policy level
Legislation & regulation
Functional body for Bioethics
Patents Act
HRD
Public awareness

44. THANK YOU