Control Union Launches Its 28th Global Testing Laboratory in Sri Lanka, Introducing PCR-Based Food Testing

Control Union Sri Lanka has officially opened its new analytical laboratory, marking a significant milestone as the 28th laboratory within the global Control Union network and the first PCR-based food testing laboratory in the country. The facility launch held on 05th February reinforces the company's century-long commitment to delivering trusted testing, inspection and certification services across international supply chains.

The event invited delegates from industry, government institutions, academia and key stakeholder organizations participating in the event. Guests toured specialized analytical sections including environmental health and safety (EHS), pesticide residue testing, chemical analysis and microbiology laboratories, witnessing the facility's cutting-edge technology, advanced instrumentation and scientific capabilities firsthand.

During the formal proceedings, Roshan Ranawake, Managing Director of Control Union Sri Lanka, outlined the laboratory's development journey within the local context. Dirk Teichert, Group Chairman for Asia Pacific and Board Member of the Control Union Group, along with Tim Thys, Chairman of the Global Laboratories team, positioned the Sri Lankan facility within Control Union's broader international laboratory science strategy.

Ruvini Samaraweera, Business Manager, introduced the laboratory's operational scope and service portfolio, while Kolitha Amarasinghe, General Manager of the new laboratory, delivered closing remarks. The inaugural event concluded with networking sessions designed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders committed to quality assurance, safety standards and sustainability practices.

Control Union's global laboratory network now comprises 28 facilities operating across more than 80 countries, serving diverse industries including agriculture, food safety, textiles, bioenergy and feed sectors. The laboratories provide comprehensive analytical services ranging from contaminant detection and pesticide residue analysis to microbiological testing and nutritional composition verification.

The Sri Lankan facility enhances Control Union's established presence across five offices nationwide. With its new laboratory capabilities, the company strengthens the scientific foundation supporting its inspection, certification and sustainability verification services throughout the region.

Founded in 1920 in the Netherlands, Control Union has evolved from grain inspection services along Dutch waterways to become a privately-held international testing, inspection and certification organization. The company maintains more than 274 offices globally, providing what it describes as "boots on the ground" solutions that enable clients to navigate complex supply chain challenges while meeting international quality and sustainability standards.

The laboratory opening continues a series of strategic facility expansions across Control Union's Asia-Pacific operations, following similar investments in Malaysia and other regional markets. Powered by cutting-edge technology and machinery, strengthened by global expertise and local knowledge, the new facility is expected to play a transformative role in advancing industrial laboratory analysis in Sri Lanka. These developments reflect growing demand for independent analytical services that verify product safety, quality and regulatory compliance across increasingly complex global trade networks.

Control Union Sri Lanka's integrated service model now combines on-site inspection capabilities with laboratory analysis, positioning the company to deliver end-to-end verification solutions for clients across agriculture, manufacturing and export sectors. Additional stakeholder engagement sessions and facility tours are scheduled in the coming days as the laboratory transitions to full operational capacity.

Photo Captions:

1. (L-R) Tim Thys, Chairman of the Global Laboratories team; Kolitha Amarasinghe, General Manager of the new laboratory; and Dirk Teichert, Group Chairman for Asia Pacific and Board Member of the Control Union Group cutting the ribbon

2. Seen here is Roshan Ranawake, Managing Director of Control Union Sri Lanka (Right) conversing with Dirk Teichert