No red light zone in Colombo

3 October 2012 09:45 am - 65 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) had no plans to set up a red light area within Colombo City Limits, Colombo Mayor A.J.M. Muzammil said.

He told Daily Mirror the proposal submitted by UNP Councillor W.P. Malagama that a red light area be set up within the Colombo City would not be acted upon because it was just the view of an individual.

Earlier Mr. Malagama said the benefits of his proposal would only be witnessed in years to come.

“There is so much of child abuse and sexual harassment in the country. If such a red light zone is set up people can fulfill their sexual needs without harming innocent women and children. Red light zones of this kind are an integral part of other Asian countries including Thailand and Vietnam. Why can’t Sri Lanka follow suit?. The wisdom of this thinking will not be felt today but in the years to come,” he said.

Mr. Malagama asked rationale behind the refusal to legalize prostitution.

“Why can’t prostitution be legalized like gaming parlours and liquor bars have been legalized in this country” he asked. The Mayor however rubbished the idea of establishing a red light area as proposed.

“This proposal was the councillor’s personal idea which came up during a discussion about child abuse. The CMC has no intention of acting upon the proposal or creating a red light area,” he said (Yohan Perera and Hafeel Farisz)

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Comments - 65

siva Wednesday, 03 October 2012 01:33 PM

All employed in red light areas are normally checked for sexually transmitted diseases on a regular basis and health clearance certificates are issued.That is the only advantage I can think of.

Marikar Wednesday, 03 October 2012 02:50 PM

Well said! I totally agree with you.

Nan Wednesday, 03 October 2012 02:27 PM

Colombo is a red light zone whether you like it or not. this proposal should not be gunned down like this. by legalizing prostitution, it will definitely curb the issue of rapes.

Lanka Shantha Wednesday, 03 October 2012 02:15 PM

Red Light area's where prostitutes and Gigolos wander, Adult shops and Adult cinema are part of a developed city, country. I don't think we are that much in good mood to accept it.

namal999 Wednesday, 03 October 2012 02:10 PM

Red light districs are important for any developed and civilized society. It has been proven from ancient times to the modern days. Such emotional needs of human beings must be full filled to have a peaceful and a happy society

Lankan Wednesday, 03 October 2012 02:04 PM

For all those who think red light district is the solution to the sex crimes in Sri Lanka, please answer, how is it then rape and child molestation still very much exist in the US, UK, France, Germany, Thailand etc. Those who want relief are getting the relief, so please stop acting like Sri Lanka is some sort of a sex deprived desert. As someone said, "danno danithi" this is nothing but another way to make a buck!!!

Rajapuka Wednesday, 03 October 2012 01:48 PM

What happened to the "Buddhist' country?

Lankan Wednesday, 03 October 2012 01:39 PM

What a stupid thing to say Thomas. What about the wives then, should they allow to do the same? Then what is the purpose of marriage in the first place? Rapists are criminals, specially the child rapists, it's a sickness that needs to be treated. I don't think it's that hard to find a woman to have sex in Sri Lanka without resorting to rape. If red light districts suppose to take care of child molestation and rape, then how do you explain thousands of rapes more open societies and child prostitution in East Asian countries?

Chams Wednesday, 03 October 2012 01:37 PM

Everything is available in this country regardless of they being legal or illegal. Our politicos patronize anything and everything. But when such things are brought to the table for discussion Politicos observe "Sil" and they are not even willing hear the proposals out! Therefore issues do not get addressed!

Ranasinghe Wednesday, 03 October 2012 02:51 PM

Govt. and private sector should setup and encourage more family, youth and individual recreation actives and sports activities often like cricket, football, netball, cycling, music and carnival, drama, low cost tours to religious and cultural cites should be set up etc...etc.. to transform sexual energy to positive and useful to society. Also sexual, family and social life and money management should be taught in school and media.

Leader Wednesday, 03 October 2012 01:13 PM

True! Patriot, this will increase woman and children being abducted. Sex maniacs and pedofiles will flood in to the country and Drugs and violance will increase and this Red light zone and also will be a breading place for the underworld. Haven't we learnt from other poor countries like ours?
To over come this frustrations we have to find a way to increase the standard of living and education of Masses in the first place.

dcold Wednesday, 03 October 2012 01:12 PM

What a dissapointment

jioe Wednesday, 03 October 2012 01:13 PM

When prostitution is illegal, it goes underground, therefore posing a risk to both the worker and the customer.If it is legalised, it can be supervised and controlled.There are many nations where prostitution has been legalised. In those countries, most of the problems connected to prostitution have been eradicated. I agree with thomas's comment.Tthere are many men working in colombo who are alone and may be feeling frustrated.Tthis may lead them to commit crimes such as child molestation, rape, and even verbal abuse of women, etc. Being able to visit a prostitute legally will be good for them and good for society as a whole. Iit's better to face reality than to pretend that it doesn't exist. It's also safer for a prostitute to work in a controlled environment where her rights as a human being are also protected and safe-guarded.

Hal Wednesday, 03 October 2012 01:02 PM

All of Colombo is a "Red Light" zone not just prostitution. So there no need to have a "Red Light" zone.

Marikar Wednesday, 03 October 2012 12:56 PM

Why don't we Legalize GAY Rights as well....

Vimal Wednesday, 03 October 2012 12:39 PM

This is happening now.. All the innosent girls from Anuradhapura are being trick brought to Colombo and introduced to drugs and then sex workers. There is no proper law in this country.

Titanic Wednesday, 03 October 2012 12:28 PM

Already existing Red light street in different names in all over sri lanka, Buy a Sunday Times week end paper, you will see MASSAGE PARLOURS, these are Red light cornerss

Farzan Wednesday, 03 October 2012 12:28 PM

How about setting up the same to rural area to wives they are far away places and seperated from their husbands and need to releive their stress & tensions?

Please consider both the sides prior comment on any matters. Will you allow your wife or sisters to fulfill their sexual needs in this way? It will make troubles in several familes rather than benefitting few sex workers and their clients.

Dhammi Wednesday, 03 October 2012 03:14 PM

How about Govt. handling this with a new corporation and a new ministry!

Hussain Wednesday, 03 October 2012 03:39 PM

Whats the big deal here. Brothels in various guises exit in every area of Colombo.

jay gunasekara Wednesday, 03 October 2012 03:58 PM

The tourist boom expected soon will need a outlet like a red light zone for safe sex or the trade will bu unregulated and be underground for the Hippocrates who live in a stone age mentality.The Netherlands is the leader in this art and we can get NGO assistance in this matter.

Buddhika Wednesday, 03 October 2012 04:03 PM

Prostitutes are there just to make money and the risk to the society is very high, like to the men's family and income, guilt and suspicion, various diseases, loss of trust and family disputes and divorces etc, etc. If jobs or money is given to women they could work or start their own businesses. Men should be directed towards permanent relationships and marriage. Do not go above religious teachings.

R.Suntha Thursday, 04 October 2012 03:57 AM

Let him concentrate on the CMC already in RED.Whether he allows red light areas or not oldest profession knows its onions.They know how to survive and even flourish.

Hussain Buhary Thursday, 04 October 2012 04:07 AM

Generally human senses and reasoning ability has its limitation, hence the need of divine guidance. Therefore, instead of we using our own logic to argue, can we all follow religious values which are divine and could help us leading a peaceful life. Pls don't take everything commercial, there is ethical values and morals to be upheld for a better society. May almighty guide us all in the correct path.

prasa Thursday, 04 October 2012 04:23 AM

We need RED LIGHT STREET !!
1. People can enjoy without abusing other girls
2. Innocent sex workers can cut the intermediary and earn for their work.
3. Polititions will not get their share from illegal brothel houses what they are getting now.

Fassey Thursday, 04 October 2012 04:26 AM

Yes in the name of spas and massage centers.

Geraldine Thursday, 04 October 2012 04:27 AM

I want to be the "Madam" at Colombo red light zone :-)....the very first legal "Madam".

Geraldine Thursday, 04 October 2012 04:28 AM

What about Gay bars?

true sri lankan Thursday, 04 October 2012 04:37 AM

Well.. our culture is most valuable... please don't destroy it ......

nasrullah-china fort Thursday, 04 October 2012 06:12 AM

this is Srilanka! so, kindly stop these bad plan!

RegularJoe Thursday, 04 October 2012 10:55 AM

it is morally wrong for either husband or wives to be unfaithful. But we don't normally hear that a woman raped someone do we? so in the sense of reducing rapes and molestation , Malagamuwa s suggestion needs to be considered.

Umba Babaa ! Friday, 05 October 2012 01:25 AM

What Culture...you are talking about...? pedophile culture or rape & kill Culture ?

Ganesh Sunday, 07 October 2012 01:31 AM

good how is the Minister for this department

aaa Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:23 AM

Think about your name before vomiting your garbage thinking. I wish a person like Muzammil should be a Mayor for CMC in the futures.

Singha Wednesday, 03 October 2012 10:09 AM

I agree that will relive their stress and tensions, but I doubt whether that will prevent rapes and molestations of children and women.

ali Wednesday, 03 October 2012 10:16 AM

will anyone like if ur sisters or mothers become prostitutes? no ryt... if u see other women as sisters and mothers you will not support to legalize it rather than taking a severe actions on rapists and do other nasty things.. severe action doesnt mean by sending to jail, action which will create fear on others who doing these nasty things...

Just Another Citizen Wednesday, 03 October 2012 10:20 AM

Just legalize it, it would save everyone so much trouble & it would boost income. Get with the times & stop pretending to be something we are not.

ANTON Wednesday, 03 October 2012 10:29 AM

Although red light zones are not all allowed in colombo city limits there are hell of lot brothels inside this.
DANNO DANITHI -- NARI BURATHI

Patriot Wednesday, 03 October 2012 10:28 AM

I think this will increase children, women being abducted and sold to these red line zones, sex trade and increase many more related crimes. Red light zone is another kind of Mafia in its own.It will make things worse.

willows Wednesday, 03 October 2012 10:28 AM

already red light zones are in Colombo, it is not new thing??

Imran Hussein Wednesday, 03 October 2012 10:34 AM

Many people will not digest this idea and would debate from moral and ethics point of view. But my personal view is different. A red light zone would solve lot of unwanted social problems. Women & Children will be safe from maniacs and paedophiles.

Wicks Wednesday, 03 October 2012 10:41 AM

Ayiooooooo ....... !!!!!!!!!!!

JED Wednesday, 03 October 2012 10:43 AM

But need a casino zone close to muncipal council.

chiller Wednesday, 03 October 2012 10:45 AM

I don’t understand how child molestation is correlated to having a redlight district. And to ‘relieve’ the tension of our men coz they’re away from their wives? Seriously. So what about their wives? Aren’t they deprived of sex too? if women can survive without it, men ought to no? unless men are inherently hornier than women. Which might actually be true. If women go ahead and sleep with someone randomly then they’re branded as sluts who commit infidelity. But if men do it, there’s a valid label to it? hence, lets establish a ‘district’ in colombo shall we? Please. Men making decisions to suite their male agendas.

HW Wednesday, 03 October 2012 10:49 AM

Those who appreciate this idea can send their mothers, sisters, daughters and wives to this noble cause of relieving stress!

Minister Wednesday, 03 October 2012 10:52 AM

Yes only blue lights. Not even green!!

Farzan Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:02 AM

Look around you, you could see the levels to which things are eroding in our "Muthu Ataya"simply because men like you are primitive in their thinking and approach. stop being closed up and narrow minded. Some form of legalisation is a pressing need and would solve many issues.

Ranjith Silva Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:07 AM

Colombo is already a Rubbish city. These thinking is no stranger from such citizen. Where are the Churches, Temples and Mosques for teaching human dignity? legalizing a wrong is not a solution but a curse.

As the member said, the time will tell, but how mad you are?.

Fayad Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:22 AM

100% agreement with your proposal Malagamuwa this can reduce rape & child molestation.

Thomas Wednesday, 03 October 2012 09:55 AM

A must for Colombo city, where many bachelors of all shades live and work. They are from far away places and separated from their wives , and need to relieve their stress & tensions.
Also will prevent rapes and molestation of children and women.

Potta Sunil Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:23 AM

RED LIGHT ZONE, will be a definite disaster to thie city and the country as a whole. I think the Sangha should stop such a move at any cost.

HW Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:26 AM

exactly!

Dinesh Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:31 AM

Ever Sunday the ad papers carry 2 to 3 pages of red light places in Sri lanka not only in Colombo.
The only difference is that the red lights are switched on only when you go there....LOL

lankan1st Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:36 AM

shame on people who brought this to discuss in parliament.
just only for ur fem minutes happines. what we loosing.
our name and family respects.
the girl's life,increasing her stress.

priyantha Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:45 AM

exactly correct ...well said

Pramod Fernando Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:46 AM

Prostitutes all over the world are someone's mother, sister, daughter or wives.

Pramod Fernando Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:44 AM

You are right Mayor there is no official red light zone in Colombo but many illegal places. So, what's the difference?

Lokka Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:47 AM

Prostitution is the oldest profession in the world. Can any one however mighty eradicate it. So, legalese it, regulate and monitor it. It will spell the end of illegal brothels, and reduce spread of AIDS.

Hal Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:56 AM

Why not call it the "Green Light". This would be good as the green light are almost disappearing in Sri Lanka now.

Waterblue Wednesday, 03 October 2012 11:57 AM

Come to Rajagiriya. there is red light...

Dav Wednesday, 03 October 2012 12:05 PM

Couldn't agree with you more!

Grumpy Wednesday, 03 October 2012 12:07 PM

Ha! So what abt their wives, do u recon male prostitutes for them dude!

sri ankan Wednesday, 03 October 2012 12:08 PM

dis is not Thailand or Vietnam...dis is Sri Lanka!

srinath.gunaratne Wednesday, 03 October 2012 12:10 PM

Definitely there must be male prostitutes in red light district too, So women also can have fun. Nothing wrong with that.

Dahrshana Wednesday, 03 October 2012 12:20 PM

We are not Thailand or Vietnam , and child abuse will only increase if red light district is allowed, our Countries revenue from tourism will increase with it. but not for the the right reasons. and non of this will help the economy of the country because non of these profits will see the light or day because the corrupt politicians will rob the money as they are robbing the country right now. no politician in Sri Lanka is for the country and all there ideas are just means of getting more money to there pockets ..

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No red light zone in Colombo

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