THE SECRETARY DEFENCE ADDRESSES DISTRICT SECRETARIES ON ANTI HUMAN TRAFFICKING EFFORT

The Secretary Defence and the Chair of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc Mphil, addressed the District Secretaries at the District Secretaries meeting held on 15 September 2023 in 'Nila Medura', Alvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05.

The Secretary Defence highlighted that, Human Trafficking has been evolved as a Business in present day context. He highlighted the importance of the District Secretaries role in this context that stands as a keystone. In addition, he remarked that, multi-disciplinary collaboration will enable them to actively contribute in the fight against Trafficking in Persons. The Secretary Defence concluded his speech by highlighting that "giving priority for humanity in the fight against Trafficking in persons is a responsibility of all".

Further, during this session, the Senior Assistance Secretary (Defence IV) and the Secretary to the NAHTTF, Ms. Mayuri Perera conducted an awareness briefing for District Secretaries on National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force and highlighted the measures required to be carry out in collaboration with the District Secretaries i.e. Conduct awareness sessions among community members on human trafficking, Provision of training for Divisional Secretariate and District Secretariate staff on identifying and responding to incidents of Human Trafficking, Incorporation of Human Trafficking as a topic for discussion at District Level, Conduct of District Anti-Human Trafficking Forums in identified District regularly and Organization of events to mark the World Anti-Human Trafficking Day ( 30th of July), in order to strengthen the Multi-disciplinary and victim centric approach in the fight against Trafficking in Persons.