Up to 30% of transgender sex workers in Sri Lanka are reportedly addicted to drugs, including ice, heroin, marijuana, and alcohol, the Trans Equality Trust (TET) said.
TET Executive Director Kasuni Mayadunna said the organization’s data shows more than 5,000 transgender people in Sri Lanka, many of whom turn to sex work after being expelled from their families.
Many live in isolated boarding houses or rented rooms, struggling to afford both living costs and drugs.
Mayadunna said transgender sex workers often avoid rehabilitation programmes due to a lack of family support and face systemic challenges including assaults during arrest, illegal detentions, fabricated charges, and social harassment.
She added that hospital staff frequently mishandle cases due to limited awareness of transgender identities.
TET plans to submit a comprehensive survey report to state agencies, including Police Headquarters, calling for urgent intervention and protections for transgender sex workers.
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