Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi stated that the draft legislation has been designed to safeguard public health, biodiversity and the environment by addressing potential risks associated with modern biotechnology and genetically modified organisms.
According to the Minister, the proposed law introduces a regulatory framework to assess and manage any adverse impacts that genetically modified plants, animals and other organisms may have on humans, wildlife and ecosystems.
The draft bill also makes it compulsory to ensure that genetically modified seeds, food products and animals undergo proper safety evaluations before being imported into the country or released beyond controlled laboratory environments.
Authorities noted that the legislation is intended to strengthen biosafety standards while ensuring that advances in biotechnology are implemented in a manner that protects both environmental sustainability and public well-being.
