The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) officially launched the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking (2026–2030) on 28 January 2026, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to eliminating all forms of human trafficking and strengthening coordinated national responses.
The launch was held under the patronage of the Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The event was also attended by Hon Parinda Ranasinghe Jnr, PC, Attorney General of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Chair of the NAHTTF, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha; and Kristin Parco, IOM Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka and Maldives. Members of the NAHTTF representing 23 key government entities, along with representatives of the diplomatic community, United Nations entities and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated “Caring for trafficking survivors in Sri Lanka requires a holistic, gender-sensitive, and survivor-centered approach that addresses both immediate protection and long-term recovery. This includes safe shelter, medical care, and trauma-informed psychological support, with particular attention to women and girls who experience more severe and gendered forms of violence, alongside legal assistance, economic empowerment, and skills development to prevent re-trafficking”.
The five-year Action Plan was unveiled under the leadership of the Ministry of Defence, in its capacity as Chair of the NAHTTF, the national multi-stakeholder mechanism responsible for strategic guidance, coordination, and oversight of counter‑trafficking efforts in Sri Lanka.
Air Vice Marshal Mr. Sampath Thuyacontha - Secretary, Ministry of Defence and chair of the NAHTTF remarked, “In addition to the view of the National Anti – Human Trafficking Task Force, the Ministry of Defence views human trafficking not only as a social or criminal issue, but as a national security concern. It weakens social stability, fuels organized crime, undermines migration governance, and erodes public trust. Therefore, implementation of this Plan will be guided by discipline, accountability, consistency, and transparency.”
Developed with technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the National Strategic Action Plan 2026-2030 establishes a unified national framework to prevent human trafficking, protect and assist victims, strengthen law enforcement responses, and enhance accountability. The plan draws on extensive consultations with NAHTTF, CSO’s, frontline responders, and international partners. It builds lessons from previous action plans and aligns with international standards, addressing emerging challenges such as cyber-enabled trafficking and the misuse of digital platforms and artificial intelligence for recruitment and exploitation.
“For over a decade, IOM has worked alongside the Government of Sri Lanka, and is honoured to have supported the development of this Action Plan and strengthened national systems. The result is a plan that is both ambitious, practical and grounded in global standards yet firmly rooted in Sri Lanka’s realities,” said Kristin Parco, IOM Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “Together, with shared purpose, we are one step closer to eradicating human trafficking in Sri Lanka”
The Action Plan is structured around four key pillars:
- Prevention through community awareness-raising and risk-reduction measures
- Victim-centered protection and assistance, including access to comprehensive support services
- Strengthened investigations and prosecution, supported by improved inter-agency coordination and cross-border cooperation
- Improved policy, data, and national coordination mechanisms through enhanced partnerships with civil society, the private sector, international organizations, and regional networks, Coordinated through the NAHTTF
IOM will continue to work in close partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka and the NAHTTF to support the effective implementation of the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking (2026–2030). The organization supports all counter-trafficking and victim protection efforts that will strengthen national and district-level mechanisms, ensuring comprehensive support for front-line responders and providing protection, return and reintegration services for survivors of internal and cross-border trafficking.