The Government Analyst’s Department, being the only forensic science laboratory in Sri Lanka, consists of two major divisions namely Food Science and Forensic Science. Food Science Division includes four areas namely Food, Liquor, Milk and Water. Forensic Science Division has nine (09) major disciplines as Forensic Ballistics, Forensic Serology and DNA, Forensic Toxicology, Explosives and Fire Investigation, Narcotic Drugs, Forensic Questioned Documents, Computer Forensic and Forensic Miscellaneous Section.
The Department proves to be a service providing institution in that it provides scientific analytical, advisory and consultancy services. The Government Analyst’s Department issues analytical reports upon scientific examination and analysis on productions (evidence) referred to it by the Law Courts, Department of Police, Department of Customs, Department of Excise, Local Government Institutions, Ministry of Health, Port Authority as well as other Government Departments and Statutory Bodies. Further, it carries out analysis to ensure quality of food, liquor, milk, and dairy products with the samples being referred to the Department by the various Government Departments and state sponsored bodies. Additionally, the samples received from the Department of Customs are also analyzed for quality. The Questioned Documents Section prepares analytical reports after examination of the questioned documents forwarded by the Courts of Law.
All evidence samples submitted for testing are analyzed in compliance with various laws, including the Food Act, National Environment Act, Excise Ordinance, Tobacco and Alcohol Act, Cosmetics, Drugs and Devices Act, Control of Pesticides Act, Fire Arms Ordinance, The Explosives Act, Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Motor Traffic Act, Criminal Procedure Code, Civil Proceeding Code, and the Evidence Ordinance.
The department also provides investigative and consultancy services to the Police Department for crime scene investigations related to grave crimes such as explosions, shootings, fires, and fatal motor traffic accidents. Additionally, forensic toxicologists conduct food testing for foreign VIP delegations visiting Sri Lanka. Officers from the department also provide expert testimony in court based on scientific reports.
As a scientific and technical consultant, the department advises other government institutions. Its officers contribute to the Sri Lanka Standards Institute in formulating national standards and assist the Ministry of Defense in evaluating arms, ammunition, and explosive substances for procurement.
Furthermore, the department offers training programs on forensic and food science for Judicial Medical Officers, Police, Crime Scene Officers, the armed forces, trainee lawyers from the Attorney General’s Department, and Public Health Inspectors.