11-Sep-2019

Workshop series on National Biosafety Framework in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol in Sri Lanka

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is an international agreement signed in 2000 that aims to ensure the safe handling, transport, and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to protect biodiversity and human health. Sri Lanka signed the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2003 and ratified it in 2005. In order to implement the provisions of the protocol, Sri Lanka developed a National Biosafety Framework (NBF) that was finalized in 2008. The NBF outlines the policies and procedures for the safe handling, transport, and use of GMOs in Sri Lanka.The Sri Lankan NBF includes a National Biosafety Policy, a Biosafety Act, and regulations on the import, export, and use of GMOs. The policy outlines the objectives, principles, and strategies for the management of GMOs, while the Biosafety Act provides the legal framework for the regulation of GMOs in the country. The regula

tions specify the procedures and requirements for the import, export, and use of GMOs.A workshop series was oragnaized by Agricultral Biotechnology Centre with colloboration FAO and Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Enviornment was held in 2019 for O/L and A/L school students and for University students. The knowledege on Implememtaion of National Biosaftey Framework in accordance with the Caragena Protocol was discussed.