Sri Lanka: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual

Sri Lanka does not produce genetically engineered (GE) crops or animals. Some GE research, however, occurs at the laboratory level, but that research does not reach commercialization. The lack of a legal framework and proper biosafety procedures are a major setback. The country is in the process of developing regulatory biotechnology policies. Policies, however, remain at varying stages of development and implementation. Policies include the National Biotechnology Policy, the National Biosafety Framework (that includes the National Biosafety Policy and National Biosafety Act), as well as the Control of Import, Labeling and Sale of Genetically Modified Foods Regulation of 2006. Development of the National Biosafety Framework conforms to the country’s commitments under the Cartagena Protocol (signed and ratified in 2004). The new legal framework for biosafety will become effective with the enactment of the National Biosafety Act, but that has been undergoing review for several years.