SRI LANKA STRENGTHENS EVIDENCE-BASED ACTION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING AT UN MEETING IN VIENNA

Lt Col P.G.T.U.B. Jayaratne, representing the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) chaired by the Secretary of Defence, participated in the 15th Session of the UNTOC Working Group on Trafficking in Persons, held from 6 - 8 October 2025 at the Vienna International Centre, Austria.

During the session, Sri Lanka reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to a victim-centred, human rights-based, and evidence-driven approach in combating human trafficking. He highlighted the country’s ongoing measures to strengthen investigations, prosecutions, and victim assistance mechanisms, while also emphasizing the integration of digital forensics and technological tools to address emerging forms of exploitation.

It was further highlighted that the continued collaboration between the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, the Ministry of Defence, the Attorney General’s Department, the Sri Lanka Police, and partner agencies has enhanced inter-agency coordination and international cooperation.

Sri Lanka’s participation in this global forum underscores its proactive engagement with the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional and international efforts to combat this grave crime.