Sri Lanka has secured Tier 2 status in the United States Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for the fifth consecutive year, reflecting the continued efforts of the government of Sri Lanka to strengthen the national response to Trafficking in Persons.

The text of the Defence Ministry statement: “This recognition reflects ongoing efforts to improve coordination, victim protection, law enforcement action, prevention initiatives and institutional cooperation in combating human trafficking.

The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF), chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, AVM Sampath Thuyakontha, continues to provide national-level coordination among relevant government institutions responsible for prevention, protection, investigation, prosecution, migration management, labour, child protection and victim assistance.

During the reporting period, Sri Lanka took several important steps to strengthen its anti-human trafficking framework. A major milestone was the launch of the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking 2026-2030, which provides the national framework for coordinated action over the next five years.

Sri Lanka also continued to strengthen its district-level response through the establishment and expansion of District Anti-Trafficking Forums, improving coordination among local authorities, law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions. These mechanisms support the early identification of victims, improved referrals and more coordinated responses at the district level.

Further efforts included awareness and capacity-building programmes for frontline officers, strengthened cooperation among member institutions, engagement with international and regional partners, and increased attention to emerging forms of trafficking, including technology-facilitated recruitment, online exploitation and forced criminality.

Sri Lanka’s continued placement in Tier 2 recognises the progress made and the sustained efforts undertaken to combat human trafficking, while highlighting the importance of further strengthening the national response.

The NAHTTF remains committed to addressing remaining challenges and to further strengthening prevention, victim protection, investigation, prosecution and inter-agency coordination.

Further, securing Tier 2 status for five consecutive years reflects the collective efforts of government institutions and other stakeholders involved in Sri Lanka’s response to trafficking in persons. This achievement reinforces the importance of sustained commitment, continued cooperation and further progress towards effectively preventing and combating human trafficking.”

Parliament told his life is in danger

Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan, migrant worker on death row in Saudi Arabia, was given an opportunity to meet Sri Lankan Ambassador O. L. Ameer Ajwad last Thursday (08).

Ajwad, visited Anojan Sivarasa at Dammam Central Prison, located approximately 450 kilometres from Riyadh, to inquire about his well-being and ascertain his current status, the Foreign Ministry here said. Saudi authorities allowed the visit amidst accusations that another inmate at the Dammam Central Prison had caused him serious injury.

The family of Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan earlier alleged that he was attacked with a sharp weapon. The family has contradicted Saudi prison authorities’ claim that he suffered only fingernail scratches.

Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) Batticaloa MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, on Wednesday, the day before Ambassador Ajwad visited Anojan, raised the issue in Parliament. According to the Batticaloa District MP, Anojan’s family had been told that he was stabbed in the head by a fellow inmate after being moved, within the prison, and that his life was in danger.

“The accounts of the family and the authorities clearly contradict each other,” Rasamanickam said, urging the government to verify Anojan’s condition directly and ensure his protection.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman said: “During the visit, the Ambassador held an extensive discussion with Anojan Sivarasa, listened to his needs and concerns, and reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to providing all possible consular and legal assistance, under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka. The Ambassador also shared his contact details with Anojan Sivarasa to facilitate direct communication.”

Following the meeting, Ambassador Ameer Ajwad confirmed that Anojan Sivarasa was in good health and that the Saudi prison authorities were attending to his well-being.

The Ambassador also met the Director of Dammam Central Prison and the prison’s medical doctor, expressing his appreciation for their cooperation in facilitating his visit to the prison and for the care and attention extended to Anojan Sivarasa to safeguard his health and well-being.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka is also extending assistance to Anojan Sivarasa in connection with his appeal process to the Supreme Court.”

By S.K. Samaranayake

The Malwathu Mahavihara Chapter has released an official statement on the recent discussion between the President and a delegation of the Maha Sangha, representing the Mahanayake Theras of the Three Chapters, concerning the removal of robes from imprisoned monks.

According to the statement, the President acknowledged as reasonable the concerns raised by the Mahanayake Theras regarding imprisoned bhikkhus. He pointed out that under the existing legal framework, prison authorities lack the legal power to prevent monks sentenced to terms exceeding three years from being taken outside in their religious robes.

Consequently, the Maha Sangha proposed formulating a new set of regulations stipulating that whenever a monk is sentenced to more than three years in prison, the relevant Nikaya or Chapter must be notified, and actions should be executed, solely based on the recommendations of that Nikaya.

The statement adds that the President agreed to this proposal and instructed the Minister of Justice to finalise and draw up the relevant regulations within two weeks.