Seya’s father’s DNA ‘vital deciding point’

by Carol Aloysius

Results of the DNA tests of Upul Nishantha, father of Seya, the five-year- old girl raped and killed in Kotadeniyawa, will be released next week. The tests are currently being carried out at the Genetech Institute in Colombo.

Head of Molecular Forensic Section, Genentech, Dr. Ruwan Illeperuma said, the report, once submitted to the Magistrate Court will be the final and vital deciding point at the High Court later. Dr. Illeperuma said it was he who called for a DNA sample of the victim’s father, through the Minuwangoda Magistrate.

“To complete a successful DNA testing process, forensic scientists should be able to establish the origin of each and every biological sample that is being analyzed,” he said.

He added that establishing the origin such as identification of the actual perpetrator is only part of DNA forensic investigations, other than the DNA itself. “It reveals valuable information regarding family relationships, paternal and maternal history and the way the DNA has been inherited,” he said, explaining that once the results are released, all these additional factors would be revealed. Dr. Illeperuma said, contrary to popular belief, DNA testing of the samples taken of all suspects had so far been analyzed very scientifically. “Once the findings of our final report are revealed, the existing public confusion will be cleared.”