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30% of transgender sex workers trapped in drug addiction crisis: TET warns
By Indika Sri Aravinda
Colombo, Nov. 19 (Daily Mirror) - The Trans Equality Trust (TET) has raised serious concern that between 25% and 30% of transgender sex workers in the country are addicted to drugs, including ice, heroin, marijuana and alcohol.
TET Executive Director Kasuni Mayadunna said the organization’s registered data indicates there are over 5,000 transgender people in Sri Lanka, with the majority pushed into sex work after being removed from their families and homes.
She said many transgender sex workers live in rented rooms or shared boarding houses in isolated areas, and are forced to continue in the profession to afford drugs as well as basic living costs.
According to Ms. Mayadunna, many avoid rehabilitation programmes because they have no family support system to look after them during recovery.
TET has also written to the IGP highlighting multiple issues faced by transgender sex workers, including assaults after arrest, illegal detentions, fabricated charges, and widespread social harassment. The organization further pointed out that hospital staff often mishandle emergency cases due to a lack of awareness on transgender gender identity, creating additional barriers to care.
She said TET plans to submit a comprehensive survey report to relevant state agencies, including Police Headquarters, urging immediate intervention and protection for transgender sex workers.
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