Accra:Sri Lanka has maintained its Tier 2 status in the United States Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for the fifth consecutive year, showcasing the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance its response to human trafficking.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, this recognition underscores Sri Lanka’s continuous improvements in coordination, victim protection, law enforcement, prevention initiatives, and institutional cooperation in fighting human trafficking.

The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF), led by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, plays a key role in coordinating efforts among government institutions involved in prevention, protection, investigation, prosecution, migration management, labour, child protection, and victim assistance.

Significant steps were taken by Sri Lanka during the reporting period, including the launch of the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking 2026-2030. This plan outlines a national framework for coordinated action over the next five years.

Additionally, the country has bolstered its district-level response by establishing and expanding District Anti-Trafficking Forums, which improve coordination among local authorities, law enforcement, and other institutions. These forums aid in early victim identification, better referrals, and more coordinated district-level responses.

Further efforts included awareness and capacity-building programs for frontline officers, enhanced cooperation among member institutions, collaboration with international and regional partners, and increased focus on emerging trafficking forms, such as technology-facilitated recruitment, online exploitation, and forced criminality.

Sri Lanka’s sustained Tier 2 status recognizes the progress and efforts made to combat human trafficking while emphasizing the need for continued strengthening of the national response. The NAHTTF remains dedicated to addressing challenges and enhancing prevention, victim protection, investigation, prosecution, and inter-agency coordination.

Securing Tier 2 status for five consecutive years highlights the collective efforts of government institutions and stakeholders involved in Sri Lanka’s fight against human trafficking, reinforcing the importance of ongoing commitment and cooperation.