DIPLOMA IN LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY (DLT)

Two-year program offered by the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC).
Enter with only 6 passes in Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination or equivalent qualification. (Conditions apply)
Recognized by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) to offer NVQ-LEVEL 4 & 5 Qualifications.
Two avenues to choose from; Food and Material Technology (FMT) or Clinical Laboratory Technology (CLT).
Held ONLY on Saturday and Sunday.

Enrolment for the DLT 2026 Intake is Now Open.

The Diploma in Laboratory Technology is a two-year programme offered by the Institute and is focused on imparting middle level technical expertise in Chemical Analysis and Research to students. The programme commenced as “Laboratory Technicians’ Certificate Course in Chemistry (LTCC)” in 1973. Recently, the syllabi were revised and upgraded, and subsequently, the title of the course was changed to “Diploma in Laboratory Technology”. It is still the only course of its kind available in any field of basic science in Sri Lanka.

Synopsis

In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamentals of Chemistry, and related fields of Biology, Physics, and Mathematics. Thus, General Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physical chemistry, Inorganic and Organic chemistry are taught in the first year, in addition to the supplementary subjects such as Electronics, Statistics, Management, and Information Technology. Students are given the hands- on experience in the subject, starting from the Laboratory Practice course unit during the first year that focuses on basic handling of chemicals and glassware in a laboratory.

During the second year, students have the option to choose either the Food and Material Technology (FMT) stream or the Clinical Laboratory Technology (CLT) stream. The course units offered in the FMT stream are designed for students who are aiming an industry-based career; ranging from the vast Food industry to polymer-based industries such as rubber, paint, plastics, textiles, and petroleum, cement, ceramic, steel, leather, and paper industries. Starting from the basics of Food Science, Food Processing, Food Microbiology, and Food Analysis are the course units covered on food industry. In addition, the course units on Polymer-based industries, Fundamentals of Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Petroleum, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Technology make up the FMT syllabi. Practical aspects in the Food Science and Paint Technology are covered during the 2^nd year Laboratory Practice course unit. On the contrary, the course units in the CLT stream are structured to assist students succeed in clinical and medical laboratories in the private and public sectors. Introduction to Medical Laboratory, Clinical Biochemistry, Diagnostic Microbiology, Diagnostic Parasitology, Clinical Haematology, Toxicology and Molecular Diagnostics, Histopathology, and Cytology provide a glimpse of the modules that constitute the CLT stream. Further, the practical aspects in Biochemistry, Histology, Haematology, and Medical Microbiology are covered during the 2^nd year Laboratory practice course unit.

Course units which are common to both FMT and CLT are Quality Assurance and Accreditation, and Laboratory Practice in Microbiology. The subject matter covered in these modules is crucial for the overall understanding of how laboratories and industries function. Regardless of the field selected, the students are required to undergo a six-month internship training in a related industry (for FMT) or a medical laboratory (for CLT).

Entry Qualifications

Should have passed six subjects in one sitting, with credit (C) passes for Mathematics and Science at the G.C.E. (O/L) examination, and should have passed English Language in not more than two sittings.

Recognition

DLT program is recognized by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) to offer NVQ-LEVEL 4 & 5 Qualifications.
The program is offered with the recognition of Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC) as the professional body for chemists in Sri Lanka.
DLT program is highly recognized by the public and private sector organizations.

(Several such organizations have gone to the extent of paying the DLT tuition fees of their employees so that their employees are able to acquire this qualification).

For whom?

For School leavers an opportunity to pursue a technically oriented career in the industry or in laboratories.
For those who are already employed in laboratories and Industries; in order to further improve the knowledge and skills.
For those who intend to work as middle-level technical officers in fields related to Chemical and Medical Sciences in private and public sector organizations.
Ideal for those who pursue another academic program in a state/ non-state university or for those who already work in laboratories or industries. (Can follow on weekends).
For those who seek a pathway to pursue a degree program at Institute of Chemistry Ceylon without the minimum entry requirement (Advance Level qualifications).

Opportunities

Job opportunities in private and public sector organizations.
Entitled for salary increments and other incentives.

Admitted to the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon as a Technician member (entitled to use the designation - Tech.I.Chem.C.)

Create a pathway to pursue BSc (Hons) degree or Graduateship in Chemistry (GIC) programs. (Conditions apply)

Qualifies to enroll in the first year of the Graduateship in Chemistry (GIC) program and qualify as a Graduate Chemist, even without A/L qualifications. (students having honors passes at the DLT program are entitled to a partial scholarship to follow the GIC program - tuition fee waiver for the first two years).
A path to obtain Licentiate Membership (L.I.Chem.C.) of the Institute.

(Individuals who have passed the DLT programme, and have been a Technician member of the Institute for not less than 8 years, and having the adequate experience in the field of Chemical Science, are eligible to obtain the Licentiate Membership (L.I.Chem.C.) of the Institute, which is generally open to those having a B.Sc. (3 years) degree including Chemistry as a subject.)

Why choose DLT?

Offered with the Academic excellence and Recognition of Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC).
High emphasis on Practical aspects of the subjects.
The only programme producing middle-level technical officers in fields related to Chemical Science in Sri Lanka.

Common Schedule – First & Second Years

Saturday Full Day (8.00am – 5.15pm)
Sunday Full Day (8.00am – 5.15pm)

DLT Payment Information

Account Details:

Number – 0008492775

Name – Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

Bank – Bank of Ceylon

Branch - Rajagiriya

1) Make an online transfer of the payment to the above BOC account number.

If you are willing to make the payment physically, visit the nearest BOC branch and make the transfer to the account number mentioned above.

2) The following documents should be submitted on the inauguration (both original and photocopy).