What We Do:

  1. Post-Blast Investigation:
    • Conduct forensic reconstruction to identify the seat of the explosion.
    • Collect post-blast debris for laboratory analysis.
    • Analyze post-blast debris for traces of explosives.
    • Prepare and issue a scientific report based on gathered and analytical results to the court of law.
  2. Examination of Hand Grenades and IEDs:
    • Analyze hand grenades and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) such as “Hakka Pattas” and “Dappi” to determine if they fall under the Offensive Weapons Act.
    • Conduct examinations after delousing, on the magistrate’s request.
  3. Analysis of Suspected Explosive Substances:
    • Examine suspected substances to detect the presence of explosives.
    • Analyze vehicles and garments for traces of explosives.
  4. Investigations Related to Oxygen and Volatile Substances:
    • Measure the oxygen level in an environment or tank when a death is deemed suspicious, as requested by the Magistrate.
    • Investigate explosions involving LP Gas to determine causes and mechanisms.
    • Examine explosions involving volatile substances such as petrol vapours, laboratory and industrial solvents.
  5. Fire Scene Investigation:
    • Investigate fire scenes to identify causes, upon requests from magistrates or police officers in charge (OIC).
    • Examine burnt wires to identify signs of electrical faults, such as short circuits.
  6. Fire Debris Analysis:
    • Analyze fire debris samples collected by Scene of Crime Officers (SOCOs) for traces of ignitable liquids.
    • Analyze garments and other components to determine if individuals had direct involvement in crimes.
  7. Quality Assessment for Explosives Licensing:
    • Examine black powder and safety fuses.
    • Provide quality reports to the Ministry of Defence to facilitate licensing for explosive manufacturers in Sri Lanka.
  8. Educational Outreach:
    • Conduct lectures on the forensic aspects of explosives and fire investigations.
    • Target audiences include the armed forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force), Sri Lanka Police, Judicial Medical Officers, and other officers in the judicial system.
  9. Insurance-Related Fire Investigations:
    • Conduct fire scene investigations for building and vehicle fires at the request of insurance companies.

The aftermath of an explosion tells a story, and investigators play the role of detectives deciphering the clues left behind in the debris. Blast patterns, the trajectory of fragments, and the extent of damage can reveal a lot about the nature and source of the explosion.

Examining the fire pattern at the critical point of origin proves to be a valuable approach, allowing for a comprehensive investigation that not only gathers additional data but also aids in navigating through the challenges presented by the situation

Documented valuable information provided by eyewitnesses, as gathered by the police, essential for composing the scientific report.