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 of 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 the 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 productions (evidence samples) submitted for testing are analyzed according to various acts and ordinances such as 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, Evidence Ordinance etc.
Moreover, the Department provides investigation 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 in the country. Further scientists in the toxicology section attend food testing in the missions of foreign VIP delegations in Sri Lanka. In support of scientific reports issued by Government Analyst’s Department, officers appear before courts for expert testimony.
The Department also functions as the scientific/technical consultant to other Government Departments and Government sponsored institutions. The contribution of the officers to the Sri Lanka Standard Institute for making standards is an important service. The experts also assist in Technical Evaluation Committees of the Ministry of Defense for purchasing arms, ammunition, and an explosive substance for the Ministry of Defense.
Further, the Department provides training for Judicial Medical Officers, Police, Scenes of Crime officers, three forces, trainee lawyers of the Attorney’s General Department and public health inspectors etc, on forensic and food science.