Legal Aspects of Challenges and Privacy Concerns in Establishing and Maintaining a Forensic DNA Database in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This research has been conducted to identify the legal aspects of challenges and privacy concerns in establishing and maintaining a forensic DNA database in Sri Lanka. Establishing a forensic DNA database in Sri Lanka raises legal, financial, and practical issues. This research observes the laws and regulations in an international context and identifies the lack of legislation in the country that concerns the legal aspects of establishing a forensic DNA database. A qualitative research methodology is adopted to collect primary and secondary data. Lack of a specified DNA identification act, legality of the DNA concerning privacy and human rights, issues in accessing, protecting, and securing DNA information, and retention and deletion of DNA information were identified as the main legal issues in establishing a national forensic DNA database. Sri Lanka must strike a compromise between the need for effective law enforcement and the preservation of private information in the establishment of a forensic DNA database.