By: Isuru Parakrama
October 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has maintained its Tier 2 classification in the United States Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report for the fifth year in a row, signalling continued efforts to tackle human trafficking while highlighting the need for further progress.
The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force said the ranking reflects measures taken by the government to strengthen investigations, improve support for victims, prevent exploitation and encourage closer cooperation between relevant state agencies.
Among the major developments during the latest reporting period was the introduction of a five-year national action plan covering 2026 to 2030. The initiative is designed to provide a structured approach to monitoring trafficking-related activity and improving the country’s response to the crime.
Authorities have also widened the reach of District Anti-Trafficking Forums, which are intended to help officials identify potential victims more effectively, improve referral systems and strengthen communication between local administrations and law enforcement bodies.
Additional measures include specialised training for frontline personnel and closer engagement with international partners. Attention is also being directed towards changing patterns of exploitation, particularly the use of digital platforms to recruit victims, technology-enabled abuse and the exploitation of individuals in forced criminal activities.
The task force, chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, acknowledged that challenges remain despite the progress reported. It said continued work would be necessary to improve the effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions while ensuring that victims receive appropriate protection and assistance.
Under the US classification framework, Tier 2 is assigned to countries that have yet to meet all the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking but are making significant efforts to address the problem. Sri Lanka’s continued placement in this category therefore reflects ongoing action, rather than full compliance with those standards.
