Sri Lanka’s Tier 2 Record After Five Years and Counting
Sri Lanka has secured Tier 2 status in the United States Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for the fifth consecutive year, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and strengthen the country’s response.
The continued status reflects work to improve coordination among institutions, protect victims, strengthen law enforcement action, expand prevention initiatives and promote cooperation among relevant agencies. At the same time, it highlights the need for further action to address human trafficking.
The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF), chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, coordinates the work of government institutions responsible for preventing trafficking, protecting victims, conducting investigations and prosecutions, managing migration, addressing labour-related issues, protecting children and providing victim assistance.
A major milestone was the launch of the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking 2026–2030, which provides a national framework for coordinated action over the next five years.
Sri Lanka has also continued to establish and expand District Anti-Trafficking Forums to improve coordination among local authorities, law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions. These forums aim to support the early identification of victims, improve referral mechanisms and strengthen coordinated responses at district level.
Other initiatives include awareness and capacity-building programmes for frontline officers, stronger cooperation among member institutions and engagement with international and regional partners. Greater attention is also being given to emerging forms of trafficking, including technology-facilitated recruitment, online exploitation and forced criminality.
While five consecutive years at Tier 2 reflect continued efforts and progress, the classification also indicates that challenges remain. The NAHTTF has reiterated its commitment to addressing these challenges by strengthening prevention, victim protection, investigation, prosecution and coordination among agencies.
Sri Lanka’s continued Tier 2 status reflects the collective efforts of government institutions and other stakeholders working to combat human trafficking. Sustained commitment and cooperation will remain essential to preventing exploitation, protecting victims and making further progress.
