Gene piracy rampant, say environmentalists

by Florence Wickramage

Western countries have obtained patent rights for 100 species of plants endemic to Sri Lanka and three patent rights for micro organisms, Environmental Attorney-at-Law Jagath Gunawardene alleged recently. Gunawardene describing these acts as gene piracy said that this move has prevented Sri Lanka from using these species of plants in keeping with our traditional knowledge.

He also warned that Sri Lanka may be called upon to make a payment to the companies who have obtained patent rights for the use of any medicines and chemicals manufactured through the use of these species of plants.

Patent rights for endemic Sri Lankan plant species have been obtained by America, Japan, Australia and some European countries he alleged. Accordingly 7 patent rights have been obtained for the Binara species, 9 for the flowering Muruta plant, 7 for Kothala Himbutu, 4 for Kohomba (Margosa), 6 for Komarika (Aloe Vera), 6 for Ruk Attana, and 9 for Gammalu.

In addition foreign companies have obtained patent rights for several other endemic species of plants including the locally known Kathurupila, Kurundu (Cinnamon), Venivel, Gotukola (Lettuce), Kekuna oil, Sadikka, Aralu, Bulu, Nelli, Ekaweriya, Madang, Masbadde and Endaru. Gunawardene said 3 patent rights have been obtained for 2 micro organisms and for the protein on the body of the Malaria parasite and its genes.

Citing the example of India which recovered her rights for the Kohomba plant pirated by America after a long drawn out 10-year legal battle led by Environmentalist Vandana Shiva, Gunawardene in coordination with the Sri Lanka Green Network said that loopholes in Sri Lanka's Environmental laws should be eradicated to prevent further piracy of the country's rich and endemic natural resources.