Colombo: In line with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, launched a three-day training programme for law enforcement officials focused on forced labour today at the Taj Samudra Hotel. Representatives from the Department of Labour, Sri Lanka Police, and Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment are attending this programme.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) introduced a dedicated training module on human trafficking as an integral part of this programme. Developed with the guidance of the Attorney General’s Department, the module aims to train government officers with a special focus on enhancing frontline prevention and detection.

Speaking at the inauguration, Defence Secretary and Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative, describing Labour Inspectors as the ‘eyes and ears on the ground’ in the fight against trafficking linked to forced labour. He pointed out that trafficking often disguises itself through exploitative recruitment practices, wage withholding, and coercive contracts. The nature of Labour Inspectors’ daily responsibilities positions them well to detect such hidden abuses and trafficking cases.

Thuyacontha stated, ‘This is not a formality; it is a strategic intervention. Your inspections can be the key to protecting someone’s freedom.’

The initiative highlights the strong connection between labour violations and human trafficking, emphasizing the need for vigilance, coordination, and inter-agency collaboration. It aligns with the broader objectives of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, which unites ministries, law enforcement agencies, and international partners to strengthen identification, referrals, and victim protection mechanisms.

In closing, the Secretary reminded participants of the human cost of trafficking and urged all stakeholders to act with commitment and compassion: ‘Behind every case is a human being-someone’s son, daughter, parent, or friend. Let us be the ones who make that difference,’ he said.