World

Italy to supply helicopters to Sri Lanka to combat human trafficking

Italy plans to supply helicopters to Sri Lanka to support its battle against human trafficking, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office said on Wednesday.

The discussion about the helicopters took place between Italian Ambassador Rita Giuliana Mannella and Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday. The two also discussed strengthening the partnership between the two nations.


It is not clear what are the modalities for the helicopter procurement.

The decision is likely to raise eye-brows as the Indian Ocean island nation is still going through a difficult time over its economic situation.

Besides the helicopters, the two countries plan cultural exchanges, tourism enhancement, investments, defence aspects, and how Italy can help Sri Lanka during these challenging times.

Sri Lanka faces a problem of human trafficking wherein women have been tricked into working in the Gulf countries on false pretences and pushed into the sex trade. The government is rescuing such stranded women and has been keeping them in safe houses in Gulf countries.

Sri Lanka has been cooperating with various nations in tackling human trafficking. It is currently implementing a three-year project to monitor and combat trafficking in persons (TIP) with support from the US and in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Many Sri Lankans have fled the country owing to the economic distress and shortage of food. Some arrived in Tamil Nadu in India last year when they could not afford to buy food due to inflation.

Rahul Kumar

Rahul Kumar writes on international issues and is a keen watcher of South Asia, environment, urban development and NGOs.

Recent Posts

Czech Republic blames China’s APT31 for cyberattack on Foreign Ministry

The Czech Republic's government has officially linked a malicious cyberattack on its Ministry of Foreign…

39 minutes ago

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan to engage with global military leadership at Shangri-La Dialogue 2025

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan will visit Singapore from May 30 to June…

2 hours ago

PM Modi lays foundation stone of City Gas Distribution project for West Bengal districts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday laid foundation stone of City Gas Distribution project in…

3 hours ago

“Not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time”: Air Staff Air Marshal AP Singh

Chief of Air Staff and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Thursday raised serious concerns…

3 hours ago

“Could have done more, but exercised restraint”: Rajnath Singh on Op Sindoor against Pakistan

India could have inflicted more damage while retaliating to Pakistan's terror attacks with 'Operation Sindoor'…

5 hours ago

Sikkim has emerged as symbol of richness, culture, heritage: PM Modi hails state’s developmental journey in its 50th statehood day

Sikkim has decided a democratic future for itself 50 years ago and over these 50…

5 hours ago