US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, emphasized the United States’ commitment to addressing human trafficking as a complex, multi-dimensional crime, noting the importance of a comprehensive approach. She highlighted the strong partnership between the US and Sri Lanka in developing effective, victim-centered, and trauma-informed policies and strategies to combat human trafficking.
“For instance, earlier this year, we collaborated with Police Investigators from the Women & Children’s Bureau, Prosecutors from the Attorney General’s Department, Instructors from the Police Training Bureau, Investigators from the National Child Protection Authority, and several civil society advocates to enhance their forensic interviewing skills. The training on ‘Forensic Interviewing Skills for Child Abuse Investigations’ was designed to help forensic interviewers effectively communicate with survivors of human trafficking and child abuse. I want to extend my gratitude to DIG Renuka Jayasundara, who has been a crucial partner in these efforts,” she stated.
The United States is actively supporting Sri Lanka’s National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, providing guidance on prevention, prosecution, and survivor support, including backing the Task Force’s National Action Plan for 2021-2025.
While acknowledging Sri Lanka’s progress, such as increased convictions of labor traffickers and proactive measures by Sri Lankan diplomatic missions abroad, Ambassador Chung noted that significant challenges remain.
The US State Department has urged Sri Lanka to intensify efforts to investigate and prosecute trafficking crimes and to ensure that victims are not penalized for actions resulting from their trafficking experiences.
