Sri Lanka’s current requirements and priority areas where further assistance from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) could provide the greatest benefit were the main focus of discussions between the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) and a visiting UNODC delegation.

The delegation, led by UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia Kristian Hölge, met the Defence Secretary at the Ministry of Defence to review ongoing cooperation and identify areas in which UNODC support could further strengthen Sri Lanka’s capacity to address emerging security and transnational crime-related challenges.

Particular attention was given to the possibility of obtaining approval for the maritime information component of the multi-agency Information Fusion Centre. The proposed component is intended to strengthen the use of maritime surveillance information, including its potential to be presented as admissible evidence in legal proceedings, the Ministry of Defence stated.

The meeting also reviewed UNODC assistance provided to the Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard during 2026, while considering areas in which further support could be extended.

Progress made by the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force in addressing human trafficking and migrant smuggling was also discussed. The UNODC delegation briefed the Defence Secretary on its latest report highlighting emerging challenges facing South Asia, including the region’s increasing vulnerability as a source of trafficking victims and as a base for scam operations.

The discussions further covered a new regional project launched by the UNODC Terrorism Prevention Branch in September 2026, which includes Sri Lanka. The project seeks to address the misuse of artificial intelligence, online platforms, drones and other emerging technologies by terrorist and criminal groups.

UNODC officials, including Anusha Munasinghe, National Programme Coordinator for Sri Lanka, and officials from the Ministry of Defence were also present at the meeting.