Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 30 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
The Ministry of Defence, through the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF), marked the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons by organizing the National Conference on "Combatting and Addressing Human Trafficking in Sri Lanka" at the Marriott Hotel, Colombo, today (30 July).
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), attended the event as the Chief Guest.
Delivering the keynote address, Defence Secretary reiterated Sri Lanka's commitment to protecting human dignity, safeguarding victims' rights and strengthening the country's response to human trafficking. Referring to this year's global theme, "Trapped Behind the Scam," he highlighted the growing use of technology by organized criminal networks to deceive victims through fraudulent employment opportunities, forcing them into cyber-enabled scams and other forms of exploitation. He stressed that human trafficking has evolved into a transnational crime closely linked with cybercrime, money laundering and other illicit activities, requiring an integrated and coordinated national response.
The Defence Secretary emphasized that combating human trafficking demands stronger international cooperation, timely information sharing, victim-centred policies, enhanced financial investigations and the responsible use of technology while upholding human rights. He urged all stakeholders to translate the conference deliberations into practical action, reaffirming Sri Lanka's commitment to preventing trafficking, protecting victims and bringing perpetrators to justice. Concluding his address, he expressed appreciation to all national and international partners for their continued support and called for renewed collective efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and ensure protection, dignity and justice for every victim.
Highlighting a unified inter-agency and diplomatic effort, key attendees included Dr. Sugath Yalegama, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism; Mr. Koshala Wickremasinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment; Mr. Olivier Praz, Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of Switzerland and Ms. Sonya Douglas, Irregular Migration Liaison Officer of the New Zealand High Commission.
The event also drew wide participation from NAHTTF officials, senior government dignitaries, law enforcement agencies, international institutions, and civil society organizations.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
