At the 5th Session of the Australia-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group (JWG) on People Smuggling and Transnational Crime held recently in Colombo, Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to combat transnational crimes and share the knowledge and experiences with Australia.
The meeting was co-chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Defense Mr. Kapila Waidyaratne, P.C and Mr. David Wilden, Acting Deputy Secretary (Policy Group) Department of Home Affairs, Australia.
Sri Lankan Defense Secretary in his inaugural speech expressed that the dialogue between Sri Lanka and Australia is a viable platform to share knowledge and experiences including best practices, views in addressing the people smuggling and other transnational crime.Further, he said that the outcomes of the meetings are immensely helped both parties to develop understanding among agencies to implement productive counter measures in addressing human smuggling and transnational crime.
Mr. Wilden in his speech explained the forming up of a new portfolio under the Department of Home Affairs to meet up with the better coordination required in combatting human smuggling and trafficking and other transnational crime. He emphasized that the Government of Australia is committed to support Sri Lanka in capacity building and legislative reform to combat transnational crime.
Sri Lanka, for its part reiterated its commitment on combatting human trafficking/smuggling through productive partnership with the government of Australia to prevent such efforts and bring perpetrators to justice while addressing grievances of victims.
The Joint Working Group established in 2012, is the key mechanism that has formalized the practical cooperation between the two countries on People Smuggling and other Transnational Crime.
