By Roy Denish.
A Colombo High Court has sentenced a Sri Lankan man to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment for trafficking and forcing an Uzbek woman into sex work.
In a landmark ruling delivered by the Colombo High Court, a Sri Lankan three-wheeler driver has been sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment after being found guilty of luring a foreign national into the country under the false promise of legitimate employment and subsequently forcing her into prostitution.
The convicted individual was also ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000 as part of the judgment.
According to court proceedings and investigative findings, the victim — a young female citizen of Uzbekistan — was brought to Sri Lanka after being promised a legitimate job opportunity.
However, upon her arrival, the accused confiscated her travel documents, isolated her, and coerced her into commercial sex work against her will.
Law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation following a tip-off regarding human trafficking and illegal vice operations involving foreign nationals within the Colombo District.
Subsequent raids and intelligence gathered by police led to the rescue of the victim and the arrest of the primary suspect.
During the trial, state prosecutors presented documentary evidence, medical reports, and witness testimony detailing the systematic nature of the crime.
The presiding Colombo High Court judge noted that the prosecution had successfully proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Emphasising the severity of human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable foreign visitors under false pretences, the judge underlined that the offence was premeditated and carried out with malicious intent.
Consequently, the court handed down a sentence of 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment, alongside the monetary penalty, as punishment for the offence.
Human rights advocates continue to highlight the critical need for vigilance and strong law enforcement measures to combat modern-day slavery, human trafficking networks, and the unlawful exploitation of foreign nationals arriving in Sri Lanka.
