Sri Lanka Retains Tier 2 Ranking in 2026 U.S. Human Trafficking Report

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence says the country’s continued Tier 2 ranking in the United States Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking.

In a statement issued today, the Ministry said this marks the fifth consecutive year Sri Lanka has retained its Tier 2 status.

The Ministry highlighted the launch of the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking for 2026 to 2030 as a key step towards strengthening the country’s response to human trafficking.

It also pointed to the expansion of District Anti-Trafficking Forums, awareness programmes, specialised training for frontline officers and stronger coordination among relevant institutions.

The Ministry further highlighted growing efforts to address emerging forms of human trafficking, including online exploitation, technology-facilitated recruitment and forced criminality.

It noted concerns over Sri Lankans being lured into online scam operations in countries such as Myanmar and Cambodia.

The U.S. report, published last week, also recognised Sri Lanka’s efforts, including the introduction of the new national action plan and initiatives to address forced criminality.

The report also noted the establishment of a dedicated shelter for female victims of violence and human trafficking, as well as the enactment of the Proceeds of Crime Act in April 2025 to trace and seize assets linked to serious criminal activities.

However, Tier 2 status indicates that Sri Lanka does not fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking, despite making significant efforts to do so.

The Ministry affirmed that the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force remains committed to strengthening prevention, victim protection, investigations, prosecutions and coordination among relevant institutions.