– Warning that human trafficking is rapidly evolving through cyber-enabled scams and deceptive online operations, Secretary to the Ministry of Defense and Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), today called for a united national response to protect victims and dismantle criminal networks, marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026.Issuing his message to mark the global observance, Air Vice Marshal Thuyacontha said Sri Lanka stands with the international community in recognizing the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to preventing human trafficking and protecting those affected by the crime.

He stressed that human trafficking is no longer a distant or isolated offence but a growing threat that can occur across international borders, within local communities, through workplaces, online platforms, and even under the guise of seemingly legitimate employment opportunities.Referring to this year’s global theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” the Defense Ministry Secretary said organized criminal networks are increasingly exploiting vulnerable people by deceiving and trafficking them into online scam operations and financial fraud schemes.e noted that victims are often subjected to intimidation, violence and exploitation, and forced to participate in criminal activities for the benefit of trafficking networks.

“Behind many of these scams, there may also be a victim,” he said, emphasizing that individuals appearing to commit online crimes may in fact be acting under coercion after being deprived of their freedom, threatened, abused and compelled to deceive others by organized criminal groups.He observed that this emerging form of trafficking presents new challenges for law enforcement authorities and requires an equally determined, coordinated and adaptive response from governments and all relevant stakeholders. Air Vice Marshal Thuyacontha reaffirmed that the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force remains committed to preventing trafficking in persons, identifying and protecting victims, strengthening investigations and prosecutions against offenders, and supporting the sustainable reintegration of survivors into society.

However, he emphasized that the fight against human trafficking cannot be won by the Government alone, calling for the active participation and cooperation of law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, international partners and the public.arking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, he urged all Sri Lankans to stand together in safeguarding human dignity, supporting survivors and strengthening collective efforts to dismantle the criminal networks that profit from human exploitation.”Together, we can build a future where no person is deceived, controlled, trafficked or exploited,” he said.