The Colombo Plan delegation, led by His Excellency Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes, Secretary-General of the Colombo Plan, and Ms. Oranooch Sungkhawanna, Director of the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme, paid a courtesy visit to the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 20 January 2025. The Colombo Plan delegation was warmly welcomed by key officials from the NDDCB, including Dr. Indika Wanninayake, Chairman of the Board, along with scientific officers Ms. A.K.D. Kokila Athauda and Ms. M.W.N.M. Abeynayaka.

The discussions primarily focused on the project titled “Upgrading Capabilities of Forensic Drug Testing Labs to Accurately Detect Synthetic Drugs, Unknown Substances, and Complex Drug Mixtures: South Asia,” which is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). This project benefits Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The objective of this initiative is to strengthen the capabilities of forensic laboratories in these countries to conduct both seized drug and toxicological testing, with the aim of identifying emerging threats to public safety and health, particularly from new synthetic drugs and potentially lethal drug combinations. By improving the ability of participating countries to accurately identify synthetic drugs, complex mixtures, and trace amounts of harmful synthetics, the project will contribute to a more accurate global assessment of synthetic drug availability. Furthermore, it will enhance communication and collaboration among the member countries of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, fostering a stronger collective response to this growing challenge.

The meeting covered a range of topics including the importation of RADIAN ASAP Direct Mass Detectors to the NDDCB lab in Sri Lanka, the setup and preparation of the lab environment, logistical considerations. The discussions also included the two-week training scheduled to be held from 02 – 11 April 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This training will involve 16 lab directors from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal, and will be conducted in collaboration with the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE).

Additionally, discussions were held on sample preparation and instrument resources required for the training. The NDDCB team showcased their laboratory and training rooms, which will be used for the training sessions. The training aims to enhance forensic capabilities and strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against Synthetic drugs, Unknown Substances, and Complex Drug Mixtures.