The Sri Lankan delegation attending the Eighth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, organized a side event on “International Cooperation on Combating Transnational Organized Crime” recently, as an initiative of the Ministry of Justice. The delegation comprising officials from Attorney General’s Department, Police, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Bureau of Foreign Employment and Department of Legal Draftsman.

Additional Solicitor General Sarath Jayamanne who spoke on the occasion outlined the historical evolution of 

Sri Lanka’s legal framework emphasizing the fact that as a member of the Commonwealth, the nation inherited the presumption of innocence as a basic feature of criminal justice. Therefore confessions are treated as inadmissible. He also elaborated on Sri Lanka’s legal framework, legislation, judicial proceedings in relation to the transnational organized crimes and protecting victims of human trafficking personnel particularly the sexual exploitation of children and women.

Other officials explained the measures taken by each department to counter human trafficking. Sri Lankan Ambassador and Permanent Representative in Vienna Priyanee Wijesekera delivered the welcome address.