Implementing Biosafety for safe use of Genetically Modified Organisms in Sri Lanka
Considering the latest advancements in the field of biotechnology and the significant benefits of this technology in agriculture and healthcare, it is imperative that we consider the products of modern biotechnology, commonly known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), at a broader level.
From human insulin to drought-resistant plants, modern biotechnology has contributed towards the betterment of humankind and improved the quality of life. With the drastic effects of climate change and the deleterious impact, this will have on agriculture production, particularly for farmers who are least equipped to deal with such situations, integrating modern biotechnology to agricultural production methods, is one way of meeting the food needs. Several countries in the region are already making use of genetically modified plants like cotton and brinjal.
Nevertheless, the question that has always lingered in everyone’s mind is how safe are the GMOs?
Not knowing the risk associated with each of the products of modern biotechnology may create negative perception on all types of GMOs among the public. This is where biosafety is essential, which emphasis the need to protect human health and the environment from the possible adverse effects of GMOs. If the country has a system established for biosafety, we can make evidence-based decisions on GMOs.
Sri Lanka signed the Cartagena Protocol on 24 May 2000 and ratified on 28 April 2004. The objective of this protocol is to ensure an adequate level of protection in handling, use and transfer of GMOs. “In order to fulfil the obligation under this protocol and to implement biosafety in the country, the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment (MoMDE) formulated the National Biosafety Framework and the National Policy on Biosafety, which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2005,” stated Mr Anura Dissanayake, Secretary of the MoMDE. Further, the Biosafety Act was drafted in 2014 and it is currently pending enactment. Mr Dissanayake noted that insufficient technical capacity and a functional administrative and operational system in the country have delayed the establishment of Biosafety in Sri Lanka.
Therefore, in order to establish biosafety in Sri Lanka, MoMDE is implementing the National Biosafety Project “Implementation of the National Biosafety Framework in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety” with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Dr Dharmassree Wijeratne, Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) stated that, “FAO is happy to collaborate with MoMDE through this nationally important project and strengthen the institutional, technical and human capacities in Sri Lanka to protect human health, the environment and biodiversity from possible adverse effects from GMOs”.
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