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Banned ‘Spas’ back in business: Who gave them the license to re-open?
- Crackdown in 2024 resulted in closure of 53 ‘spas’
- Two women in ‘spas’ tested positive for HIV
- OIC who took initiative in raiding spas transferred
- Ayurveda Department only issues licenses to Ayurvedic treatment centers
The spas and wellness centers that were shut down earlier for operating as brothels under the guise of Ayurvedic treatment in Negombo, Seeduwa, and Kochchikade have re-opened and resumed their operations, the Daily Mirror learns.
In March 2024, a major crackdown led by local police resulted in the closure of 53 such establishments, following the discovery of prostitution being conducted on-site in the said premises.
The raids came in the wake of a medical case in which an individual addicted to alcohol tested positive for HIV. Upon questioning, the man admitted to frequenting several spas in the area, prompting authorities to take swift action.
Among the 140 women found in these operations, two tested positive for HIV. One of them was a minor female.
The revelations raised national alarm and prompted a widespread clampdown on unregulated spas and wellness centers, as exclusively reported by the Daily Mirror at the time.
The initial crackdown was led by the Officers in Charge (OICs) of the three key regions, with the OIC of the Negombo area playing a pivotal role.
However, sources now reveal that this officer was transferred later in the year under unclear circumstances. Since his transfer, nearly all of the shuttered spas have begun quietly reopening—many in the same locations—operating behind closed doors and once again offering prostitution services.
Residents and community leaders are now raising serious concerns, questioning how these establishments were allowed to reopen.
When inquired from the Department of Ayurveda, a spokesperson told the Daily Mirror that they only issue licenses to operate Ayurvedic treatment centers not as ‘spas’.
“We also do a thorough check before issuing the licenses followed by routine inspections. However, taking legal actions against illegal establishments is beyond our control,” the official noted.
In response, a senior police officer who wished to remain anonymous told the Daily Mirror that they act only on the directive of the higher-ups. “If any directive comes to raid ‘spas’, we will swiftly attend to it,” the officer said.
The resurgence of these illegal spas raises significant public health and safety concerns, especially in the wake of the uptick of HIV cases in recent time.
Sri Lanka experienced a significant surge in HIV/AIDS cases in 2024 recording over 824 cases.
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