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

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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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Turkish Naval Ship TCG BÜYÜKADA departs island concluding her visit

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The Turkish Naval Ship TCG BÜYÜKADA which arrived in Sri Lanka on a formal visit, departed the island on 18 Jun 25.

The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing
ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions. Upon leaving, the Turkish Naval Ship engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Gajabahu in Colombo seas. The PASSEX involved training exercises in communication and tactical maneuvering, concluding with the traditional cheer ship salute.

Meanwhile, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sri Lanka,  Semih Lütfü Turgut, accompanied by the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship, Lieutenant Commander Anil
BİLGİN met with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda at the Navy Headquarters on 13 Jun 25. The cordial discussion mainly focused on several matters of
bilateral importance and it importance of the occasion.

During her stay in Colombo, crew members of TCG BÜYÜKADA took part in several programmes including sporting events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the island.

Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit the Turkish Naval Ship gaining insights into the ship’s operational capabilities.

Meanwhile, the enhanced cooperation and interoperability fostered through this nature of port calls made by foreign naval ships will provide a strong foundation for the Sri Lanka Navy to
collectively and effectively respond to emerging trends and challenges in the maritime fraternity.

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Students of Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School visit President’s House

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A group of students from Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School visited the Presidential Secretariat and the President’s House on Wednesday (18).

The visit was facilitated under the ‘Vision’  programme series, a collaborative initiative for schoolchildren organised by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

As part of the visit, the students toured the Old Parliament building located within the Presidential Secretariat and received a briefing on the history of parliamentary democracy in Sri Lanka.

The students and teaching staff were also briefed on the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, spearheaded by President Anura Kumara Disanayake, as well as on the functions of the executive branch and the importance of the rule of law.

To symbolically emphasise the importance of environmental preservation,  K.M.N. Kumarasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, presented the school with a valuable plant sapling.

Among those in attendance were Colonel Dhananjaya Senarath, Deputy Director of the Tri-Forces Security Operations Coordinating Unit;  N.A.L. Wijerathna, Principal of Nittambuwa Sanghabodhi National School; and members of the school’s teaching staff.

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President commends the service of outgoing Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Wednesday (18), lauded  Mahinda Siriwardana, the outgoing Secretary to the Treasury, for his exemplary service, stating that it is the responsibility of public officials to strive to prevent adverse outcomes and contribute to positive change.

The President particularly commended Mr Siriwardana’s exceptional dedication and commitment in expertly navigating the nation’s economy through the transformative period following the recent economic crisis, ultimately achieving significant economic victories for the country. President Disanayake expressed his gratitude for Mr Siriwardana’s invaluable contributions.

These remarks were made by President Disanayake at a farewell ceremony organised at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (18)  morning  to mark Mr Siriwardana’s retirement from his post as Secretary to the Treasury.

The President highlighted the need for a new value system focused on individual merit in an era where material possessions often overshadow genuine human values. He stressed that the country requires a public service driven by humanity and empathy towards others, fulfilling its duties rather than one marred by excessive consumerism and corruption.

President Disanayake further emphasised that the public service should not be an inaccessible mechanism aloof from citizens. He underscored the importance of considering the impact of decisions on people’s lives when making policy choices. The President concluded by stating that young public officials have much to learn from the distinguished career of Mr Mahinda Siriwardana, a senior public servant with extensive experience and profound understanding.

In his address, Mr Siriwardana described his three-year tenure as Secretary to the Treasury as the most significant period of his professional life. He thanked the President for maintaining confidence in him and allowing him to continue in the position despite a change in government leadership, noting that the President’s support was a great source of strength. Mr Siriwardana added that the country might not have overcome its economic crisis without President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s faith, resilience and boundless dedication.

During the ceremony, the President also presented Mr Siriwardana with a token of  appreciation for his outstanding service.

The event was attended by Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development; Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning; Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President; Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy; Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs; other government officials; and family members of Mr Siriwardana, amongst other invited guests.

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