Kurunegala: A two-day awareness and capacity-building programme for government officials aimed at strengthening efforts to identify and assist victims of human trafficking concluded successfully at the Epitome Hotel in Kurunegala. The event was conducted from 30 June 2026 to 01 July 2026.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the programme was organized by the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) with collaboration from the Kurunegala District Secretariat, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. Government officials from key frontline institutions in the Kurunegala District participated in the initiative.

The inaugural session saw attendance from Mr. D. M. K. C. Dissanayake, District Secretary/Government Agent of Kurunegala, and Mrs. Priyangani Hewarathne, Attorney-at-Law, Secretary to the NAHTTF, and Additional Secretary (Parliamentary Affairs), C.D., Ministry of Defence. They emphasized the significance of enhancing the capacity of government officials to identify and protect victims of human trafficking through improved coordination and effective referral mechanisms.

The training sessions aimed to improve the ability of government officials to identify victims of human trafficking and provide necessary assistance through established referral and victim support systems. This programme aligns with the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking (NSAP) 2026-2030, which seeks to bolster Sri Lanka’s institutional response to human trafficking and improve inter-agency coordination.

Participants engaged in interactive discussions, practical case studies, and knowledge-sharing sessions throughout the two-day programme. These activities enhanced their understanding of trafficking indicators, victim identification procedures, referral pathways, and the importance of collaboration among agencies in responding to human trafficking cases.

By enriching the knowledge and awareness of frontline government officials, the programme aimed to improve their capacity to identify victims at an early stage, facilitate timely protection and assistance, and strengthen the national response against human trafficking. This initiative also highlighted the ongoing partnership between national authorities and international organizations in addressing human trafficking and safeguarding vulnerable individuals in Sri Lanka.