U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka (Tier 2)

Sri Lanka is a country of origin and destination for trafficked persons, primarily women and children. Sri Lankan women travel to Middle Eastern countries to work as domestics and some have reported being forced into domestic servitude and sexual exploitation. Women from Thailand, China, and Russia have been trafficked to Sri Lanka for sexual exploitation. Some Sri Lankan children are trafficked internally both for sexual exploitation and as domestics. Boys are trafficked to the Middle East (primarily Qatar and the United Arab Emirates) as camel jockeys, but not in significant numbers. Internal trafficking in persons takes place within Sri Lanka. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) abduct and hold children against their will for the purpose of forced labor and forced military conscription.

The Government of Sri Lanka does not yet fully meet the minimum standards; however, the Government is making significant efforts to combat trafficking, despite resource constraints and the civil conflict with the LTTE. The LTTE controls territory in the north and east of the country and the Government is unable to investigate or prosecute traffickers in these areas. The Penal Code specifically prohibits trafficking in persons; the penalties are commensurate with those for rape. The Government created a National Child Protection Authority to encourage school attendance and fight crimes against children, including trafficking. The National Child Protection Authority provides medical and psychological assistance to victims of trafficking and child soldiers. The Government, together with NGO's, has conducted public awareness campaigns regarding child labor, and there are hotlines available for reporting child labor abuses. The Government's Overseas Employment Bureau works with Sri Lankan embassies to resolve problems that domestic workers encounter in foreign countries.