US Ambassador To Sri Lanka Julie Chung noting that the United States recognizes human trafficking is a multi-dimensional crime that requires multidimensional approaches, stressed that the US values its partnership with Sri Lanka that is establishing effective victim-centered, trauma-informed policies and strategies to end human trafficking.
“For example, earlier this year, we worked with Police Investigators from the Women & Children’s Bureau, the Attorney General’s Department Prosecutors, Police Training Bureau Instructors, National Child Protection Authority Investigators, and several civil society advocates to enhance their forensic interviewing skills through training on “Forensic Interviewing Skills for Child Abuse Investigations,” to help forensic interviewers when talking to survivors of human trafficking and child abuse. I want to thank DIG Renuka Jayasundara from the police here today who has been a vital partner in all this,” she added.
The U.S. is actively supporting the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force in Sri Lanka, advising on prevention, prosecution, and survivor support. This includes backing the Task Force’s National Action Plan for 2021-2025.
While recognizing 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 U.S. State Department has urged Sri Lanka to intensify its efforts to investigate and prosecute trafficking crimes and to ensure that victims are not penalized for actions stemming from their trafficking ordeal.