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Not sufficient focus on trafficking of women for sex trade and child labour – Prof. Gunaratne

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5 years ago

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Professor Camena Gunaratne has said that there was not enough focus in Sri Lanka on the various national plans on internal trafficking of women into working as sex workers and child labour. She said so at the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA’s) open forum recently that essentially dealt with issues pertaining to victims of human trafficking.

The Asia Foundation (TAF) and the Center for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) publicly shared the findings from the study on “Optimising Screening and Support Services for Victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Trafficking in Persons (TIP)” recently via a Zoom conference.

Prof. Gunaratne discussed the legal and regulatory framework governing TIP (Trafficking in Persons) in Sri Lanka that consist of international and regional Conventions, in addition to domestic laws, regulation and policies. Professor Gunaratne further elaborated on the elements of trafficking and how it has become a complex, constantly evolving phenomenon requiring concerted, multipronged counter-efforts by both international and national actors.

The multi-country study commissioned by The Asia Foundation was carried out in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka with funding from United States Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. The national level reports were compiled by the Center for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) for Sri Lanka, FXB India Suraksha for India, and Social Science Baha for Nepal while the regional study will be released in the first quarter of 2022.

A spokesperson said that the Asia Foundation hoped to engage key policymakers to integrate the research recommendations into their current efforts through evidence-based policy advocacy. As such, The Asia Foundation, Sri Lanka and CEPA will conduct several closed-door meetings with key government stakeholders in the coming months.

Chandima Arambepola (CEPA), Dr. Ramani Jayasundere (The Asia Foundation Sri Lanka) and Professor Camena Gunaratne (Open University of Sri Lanka) were present at this national convening. The national convening was attended by a diverse audience with representatives from NGOs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Development Organisations, academics and other parties and stakeholders with interest in this field.

Chandima Arambepola commenced the forum by introducing the study background, methodology, the existing policy framework and the National Plan of Action to Address Gender-based Violence (GBV), conceptualising Trafficking in Persons (TIP) as a form of GBV. Ms. Arambepola further examined challenges in victim identification stemming from how service providers understand GBV and TIP which leads to gaps in service provision. She elaborated on the recommended way forward to enhance the existing support framework to provide better access to services for victims.

In the next session Dr Ramani Jayasundere explained the interplay between TIP and GBV, and how TIP is treated differently from GBV. She spoke of how GBV is based on gender inequalities in a patriarchal system and unequal power relations between men and women. TIP is also based on unequal power relations but is a complex crime driven by criminal syndicates to earn profit. Dr. Jayasundere described how TIP is one of the worst forms of GBV, and GBV is an important driver of human trafficking and a tool to control women, children and men.

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organisation committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia, The Asia Foundation works through its network of offices in 18 Asian countries. Read more about the Foundation’s work.


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Flood warning issued to the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa, Udunuwara, Yatinuwara, Gangawata Korale, Harispattuwa, and Pathadumbara

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2026/09/20

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Due to heavy rainfall received in the upper catchment areas of the Mahaweli River over the past few hours, there is a risk of minor flooding in the low-lying areas surrounding the Mahaweli River within the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa, Udunuwara, Yatinuwara, Gangawata Korale, Harispattuwa, and Pathadumbara.Residents living in the above mentioned areas and motorists using roads passing through these areas are urged to exercise extreme caution and remain highly vigilant regarding the prevailing situation.

Furthermore, residents living in close proximity to the Mahaweli River in these areas are advised to remain highly alert to the situation and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from any potential flooding.The relevant disaster management authorities are requested to take all necessary measures in response to this situation.

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Landslide Red Alerts issued to the districts of Kandy, Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya

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2026/09/20

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The National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has  issued landslide Red Alerts to the districts of Kandy,  Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya effective from 14:00 hrs on 20.09.2026 To 14:00 hrs on 21.09.2026

Accordingly,
LEVEL III [RED] Land Slide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district,  Dehiowita,  Aranayake,  Deraniyagala,  Mawanella and Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district and Kothmale West, Kotmale East,  Ambagamuwa and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district

LEVEL II [AMBER] Land Slide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Padukka in the Colombo district, Nagoda, Thawalama and Neluwa in the Galle district, Bulathsinhala, Palindanuwara, Walallawita and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district, Ganga Ihala Korale in the Kandy district, Bulathkohupitiya and Kegalle in the Kegalle district,  Akuressa and Pitabeddara in the Matara district, Thalawakele in the Nuwara Eliya district and Pelmadulla, Ratnapura, Ayagama, Kuruwita and Ratnapura in the Ratnapura district.

LEVEL I [YELLOW] Land Slide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Seethawaka in the Colombo district, Niyagama and Baddegama in the Galle district, Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Ingiriya in the Kalutara district, Udapalatha and Yatinuwara in the Kandy district,  Galigamuwa, Warakapola and Ruwanwella in the Kegalle district, Kotapola, Pasgoda and Athuraliya in the Matara district, and  Eheliyagoda, Kalawana and Elapatha in the Ratnapura district.

 

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Development projects can deliver results to the people more quickly when the political authority and the public service work together towards a common goal – PM

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3 hours ago

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2026/09/20

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that development projects can deliver results to the people more quickly when the political authority and the public service work together towards a common, people-oriented objective.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a discussion held on Friday [September 18] at the Western Province Council Auditorium to review the progress of the development project to rehabilitate Rathmalana Kandawala Road and the drainage system on either side of the road, within the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council limits in the Colombo District.

The project, which commenced on September 10, 2026, is scheduled to be completed before June 30, 2027. Implemented by the Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA), the project includes the construction of a bridge at a cost of Rs. 64 million, the rehabilitation of the drainage system at a cost of Rs. 930 million, and the rehabilitation of the road at a cost of Rs. 115 million.

The Prime Minister also paid special attention to the progress of the responsibilities assigned to the Western Province Council, the Irrigation Department and the Ratmalana Divisional Secretariat in accordance with decisions taken at the previous committee meeting. Attention was also given to the current status of the plans being carried out by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLRDC), as well as the construction and maintenance activities being undertaken by the Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA).

Commending the expedite and commendable progress of the project, the Prime Minister particularly appreciated the commitment demonstrated by officials of the relevant government institutions to work in close coordination with one another and in collaboration with the political authority.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of taking measures well in advance to control flooding and minimise its impact on Colombo and several other districts in view of the rainy weather that may affect the Western Province during the latter part of this year.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Chairperson of the Ratmalana Divisional Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Samanmalee Gunasinghe, Chairman of the Roads Sub-Committee of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee Dewananda Suraweera, Mayor of the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council Parakum Shantha, Chief Secretary of the Western Province K.G. Pradeep Pushpakumara, along with a number of government officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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