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

Biotechnology in Perspective

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

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

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

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 2003-2010, 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

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

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

Vision   Towards sustainable development through the safe use of Biotechnology

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

Definition of Biotechnology

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

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’.

Policy Framework

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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)

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

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.

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).

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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