Ministry of Defence of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Ministry of Defence of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
07/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/04/2026 00:49
Fourth District Anti-Trafficking Forum Established in Kurunegala
The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) convened the District Anti-Trafficking Forum (DATF) for Kurunegala District on 02 July 2026 at the Kurunegala District Secretariat, marking the establishment of the fourth District Anti-Trafficking Forum in Sri Lanka, following Kalutara, Trincomalee, and Kandy.
The forum was conducted in line with Sri Lanka's National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking (NSAP) 2026-2030, with the aim of enhancing prevention, protection, and response mechanisms at district and divisional levels. The establishment of District Anti-Trafficking Forums supports the effective implementation of the National Strategic Action Plan by strengthening coordination among stakeholders at the district and community levels.
The programme brought together district and divisional secretariat officials, law enforcement authorities, child protection and women's development officers, and other key officials to discuss strategies for combatting human trafficking within Kurunegala District. Participants also explored ways to strengthen early victim identification, referral pathways, and coordinated responses among institutions at the district and community levels.
The forum was conducted with the participation of Mr. D.M.K.C. Dissanayake, District Secretary Kurunegala, and Mrs. Priyangani Hewarathne, Attorney-at-Law, Secretary to the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) and Additional Secretary (Parliamentary Affairs) (CD), Ministry of Defence, together with members of the NAHTTF Coordinating Committee. The programme was organized in collaboration with the Kurunegala District Secretariat, with logistical support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
District Anti-Trafficking Forums continue to play an important role in strengthening coordination between national policy frameworks and district-level implementation, supporting Sri Lanka's ongoing efforts to prevent human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.
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