National Policy on Biosafety.

This National Policy on Biosafety is a cross-sectoral policy document, covering the period of 2011-2017. The Biosafety Policy renews the commitment of the government, in ensuring adequate levels of protection in the safe use of modern biotechnology based on the precautionary principle, within the framework of sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Policy seeks to contribute to make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable. The major policy objectives are identified, including: 1.Implementation of biosafety measures in order to ensure that there will be no adverse effects on human health, the environment and biodiversity. 2. Ensure effective regulation and management of GMO/FFP that might be imported to Sri Lanka, based on the Advanced Informed Agreement and the signing of which should be guided by the Precautionary Principle. 3. Regulate and manage any locally produced GMO/FFP. 4. Promote dissemination of knowledge in the safe use and probable hazards of modem biotechnology. 5. Ensure biosafety and bioethical considerations in the development and application of modern biotechnology. 6. Provide an institutional framework for national decision-making, networking, monitoring Research & Development, and international cooperation in all matters relating to b1osafety. Risk assessment and management of GMO/FFP shall be carried out according to national biosafety regulation. The manufacture, use, import, export, sale or trans-boundary movements of modern biotechnology applications, practices and products shall conform fully to all national legislations. Public awareness, education and participation in the dec1s1on-making processes shall be made essential for ensuring the judicious use of modern biotechnology applications, practices and products without jeopardizing the environment, biodiversity and human health.