Sri Lanka s National Strategic Action Plan to combat human trafficking launched

Sri Lanka officially launched the National Strategic Action Plan to monitor and fight human trafficking for the years 2026-2030 on January 28 at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the event. The Ministry of Defence, the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) worked together to organize the launch, as stated by the Prime Minister’s Media Division. This five-year plan was introduced under the guidance of the Ministry of Defence, which leads the NAHTTF, with technical help from the IOM. The National Strategic Action Plan 2026–2030 aims to create a cohesive national framework to prevent human trafficking, help victims, strengthen law enforcement, and improve accountability. During the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya expressed the Government’s dedication to enhancing efforts against human trafficking. She stressed that the Action Plan should go beyond just a formal launch and be put into action with real, coordinated, and ongoing efforts. The Prime Minister noted that this launch is timely as it puts into practice the four key pillars of the anti-trafficking framework: prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership. She highlighted that supporting trafficking survivors in Sri Lanka requires a comprehensive, gender-sensitive, and survivor-focused approach. This approach should cover immediate protection and long-term recovery, including safe shelter, medical care, trauma-informed psychological support, legal help, economic empowerment, and skills training to avoid re-trafficking. Special attention will be given to women and girls who face more severe and gender-based violence. Furthermore, she pointed out that human trafficking is a social and structural problem that needs ongoing, multi-sectoral efforts. It is vital for ministries and government bodies to incorporate anti-trafficking goals into their main strategies and daily activities to ensure accountability.