Name ’spa’ has to be changed; spa is something very professional: Diana

23 February 2024 02:29 pm - 33 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, Feb 23 (Daily Mirror) - The name 'spa' has to be changed and people should not be allowed to merely use the name spa, Tourism State Minister Diana Gamage said.

Addressing the media, she said the use of the name 'spa' is not appropriate as it implies a high level of professionalism and denotes a wellness center. Therefore, it is imperative to cease using that name.

"The utilization of the name'spa' disrespects the professionalism of individuals working in such establishments. It is important to refrain from using this name to uphold the dignity and respect associated with the spa industry," she said.

"If a lady has to work as a masseur in a spa or in a hotel, and if she goes and says to someone that she is working in a spa, people look at her as if at a prostitute. Because the name spa is being used like that," the State Minister said.

Therefore, the name 'spa' has to be changed and they should not be allowed to use the name spa, she said.

When answering a question from a journalist over legalizing prostitution and the late-night bars going with prostitution, the State Minister said she does not agree with the late-night bars going with prostitution.

"I do not think that people have to drink to go with a prostitute. Prostitution is 24/7 and there is no set time for prostitution. That is the oldest profession in the world and no one can stop it. It happens if you like it or not," she said.

"Therefore, you people have to look at it in a realistic way and have to talk realistically. Because this is still happening in this country," she said.

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Comments - 33

Sivalingam Friday, 23 February 2024 02:32 PM

JAAL spa in Colombo 7 is illegally occupied by Jalani Premadasa.

Kabir Hashim Friday, 23 February 2024 02:33 PM

Most super luxury spa also like that if you give a big tip.

Appuwa Friday, 23 February 2024 02:50 PM

Agree

Amara Friday, 23 February 2024 02:58 PM

Agree, She is absolutely correct. See a SPA in Australia, its visible what they are doing.

Tahikenda Saturday, 24 February 2024 12:07 AM

You mean they offer a peephole to another?

Jeanne Saturday, 24 February 2024 08:36 AM

@Amara : not entirely accurate. The word Spa is used in conjunction with the word massage in Australia - this is a clear indication of a brothel.

Helanka Friday, 23 February 2024 03:17 PM

Well said....she's right and absolutely spot on in addressing both issues. Wishing her well in formulating the process for both. For whatever it's worth, good decision in placing her in this responsibility.

Sokrates Friday, 23 February 2024 03:31 PM

If the colonial Brothel Ordinance were finally abolished, such an establishment could place an advertising sign with the inscription BROTHEL on its wall and there would no longer be any confusion.

Tony Friday, 23 February 2024 03:31 PM

Is she talking through experience? Knows so much about cannabis as well as prostitution. Does she know the requirements to be a member of of Parliament?

athana peyres Friday, 23 February 2024 10:05 PM

well said! This handbag dancer is a useless minister of tax payers money.

mp Saturday, 24 February 2024 07:54 AM

Pertinent question.

wickrama wijayasiri Friday, 23 February 2024 03:44 PM

Just like changing Ceylon to Sri Lanka. Nothing really changed........ Simply legalize Sex Workers and provide them appropriate health services and protection from pimps and maniacs. Some defenseless women provide these services even without getting paid for it; sexual favours as demanded by 'wolves' with power.

Udhitha Basnayaka Friday, 23 February 2024 04:48 PM

This time she is correct. Govt. should do the neccassary changes to our laws and implement immediately. Even in Bangkok some Spa are open. Not Covered.

Roisin Friday, 23 February 2024 06:15 PM

wickrama: you are right. But not only female sexworkers though, male sexworkers get even more abused by confused homosexuals pretending to to be heterosexuals in daily life.

Chris Xavir Friday, 23 February 2024 06:42 PM

For once a politician is talking good English and proper sense.

Christopher Peris Saturday, 24 February 2024 12:37 PM

Well spoken I agree great to hear a MP speaking good fluent English we need more educated ladies like you. You bring pride to our country

S K Sirisena Friday, 23 February 2024 07:34 PM

Thalawathugoda the Red light district of Kolambo.

Diana cannot change our cultural expectation that Spa is place of prosituation Friday, 23 February 2024 08:12 PM

It is true that in other country Spa is seen very positively, but here it is different. Maybe add LankaSpa or something like that to change our cultural expectation. Trying to change people expect of the word Spa is ridiculous.

raj Soma Friday, 23 February 2024 09:02 PM

OMG Cannabis Lady talking . Okay lets change the name from "SPA" to Massage Parlour!! , "Brothels" to Happy hour! and Cannabis to " Grass Weed " SL is advancing in this tourism field...

Common sense Friday, 23 February 2024 09:14 PM

Legalise prostitution.

C Perera Friday, 23 February 2024 09:15 PM

That means Sri Lankan spa’s are unprofessional and illegal. Why Police is not doing the job.

Mohan Friday, 23 February 2024 09:46 PM

Just because you can't prevent something, doesn't mean you have to legalise it. Otherwise, we will have to legalise theft and murder as well. The argument that sex workers don't get medical care doesn't hold, as they can choose not to engage in that. I would say, begging is better than sex work, as it doesn't spiritually degrade the person.

Roger Friday, 23 February 2024 09:55 PM

Bewaded is not a spa. It's for the upmarket brazilian or french waxing.

Raj Friday, 23 February 2024 10:37 PM

Cafes and eating places on the road side using the name as "Hotel" and there are Five star Hotels too? Can we rename them?

Jude Friday, 23 February 2024 10:44 PM

So this is the burgeoning problem for you, People using the world Spa, Huh!???

ROSH Saturday, 24 February 2024 02:30 AM

Of course she’s very courteous educated lady who is speaking for the ladies. We must respect the ladies in every aspect of our life. We must respect each other. We must respect the freedom. No one can influence others. They can decide their own future. So anyone can do anything not hurt anyone to make living. We must legalise. Looking after all ladies and punish pimps .

REEZ Saturday, 24 February 2024 06:29 AM

If you change the name Spa into "Pas" or "Sap" still the discriminatory identification will continue. There won't be any change. The woman working in the "Sap" will be discriminated as she was discriminated in Spa. Silly Di.

Tissa Fernando Saturday, 24 February 2024 07:57 AM

SPA is a SPA. Changing the name cannot change people's attitudes. People are willing to visit SPA for their aervices but people working in SPAs are socially not recognised outside. The SPAs at 5 star hotels provide only professional services. It is those roadside boutique places with half nude women posters that are providing sexual services. These places should not be called SPA or SPAs should only be limited to 5 star hotels. But what benefit would it have ? I cannot see any.

Sambo Saturday, 24 February 2024 08:13 AM

The problem in Sri Lanka is that most of the public tries live false lives and do not want accept the facts in life so they hide and do things.

Nikama Saturday, 24 February 2024 09:26 AM

In Sri Lanka prostitutes are far more respectable than politicians. At least they don’t steal.

MADAM DIANA Saturday, 24 February 2024 09:31 AM

SO IS PROSTITUTION TO THOSE WHO HAVE COME IN FROM OVERSEAS IN AND HAVE BEEN IN THE COUNTRY FOR DECADES, NOTHING NEW IT'S A WELL-KNOWN FACT. ONLY THING IS THEY DO NOT OPERATE OUT OF A REGISTERED OFFICIAL BUSINESS, THOSE WHO NEED THEIR SERVICES NEED WHERE AND HOW TO GET THEM.

Kanakapalan Wanpin Saturday, 24 February 2024 10:44 AM

Still Pin Padi - Pin medicine - Pin Bath without VISA! The case has gone under the carper as done for Kappam Thunga - Siri Langa - Go!! Where?? Forward or Backward or Straight!!1

Chandramuki Sunday, 25 February 2024 07:25 PM

Agree with you Ms Diana. The decent families living in and around Thalawathugoda are the most affected. The Red Neon SPA signs are everywhere and everyone knows that they are not offering Spa services but something entirely different.

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Name ’spa’ has to be changed; spa is something very professional: Diana

Comments - 33

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