Statement by H.E. Jayantha Jayasuriya, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations at the High-level meeting of the General Assembly on the appraisal of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons

Madam President, Excellencies,

Sri Lanka welcomes this High-Level Meeting and the adoption of the Political Declaration marking fifteen years of the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. We reaffirm our strong support for a coordinated, comprehensive global response to this crime.

Sri Lanka is a State Party to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons. In line with these obligations, we continue to strengthen prevention, protection and prosecution efforts while cooperating closely with international partners.

Trafficking in persons is a distinct offence under international law and the domestic law of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s legal position on trafficking is set out in Section 360C of the Penal Code, which criminalizes all forms of trafficking and facilitates the investigation and prosecution of offenders. Our National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force brings together key ministries, specialized law-enforcement divisions, child protection institutions and victim-assistance authorities. Its work is complemented by dedicated investigative units addressing human trafficking, smuggling and maritime crimes.

Over the past three years, Sri Lanka has maintained a Tier 2 ranking in the Report on Trafficking in Persons, reflecting steady institutional progress. We aim to build on this foundation by strengthening victim-centered procedures, enhancing digital-forensic capabilities and improving our ability to address cyber-enabled recruitment and emerging forms of forced criminality.

We recognize the threat of trafficking faced by refugees and migrants, and therefore have increased our efforts to promote safe, orderly and regular migration. Sri Lanka endorsed the Global compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in 2018, enhancing our longstanding, proactive and people centered approach to migration. We have demonstrated this commitment by aligning migration governance with national priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Sri Lanka was officially designated as a GCM Champion Country in April 2025, joining a global group of countries that represent best practices and innovation in migration governance and in implementing the GCM. The government has taken concrete steps to translate the principles of the GCM into action through the development of its National GCM Implementation Plan (GCM–NIP).

We will continue to combat trafficking while encouraging and enhancing pathways for safe and regular migration.

Madam President,

As trafficking networks evolve and exploit new technologies, our collective response must become more agile and more integrated across borders. Sri Lanka remains committed to working with all Member States to advance the Global Plan of Action and to contribute to a world free of trafficking in persons.

Thank you.