With over 80,000 sex workers across Sri Lanka, experts urge registration, legal control, and better sex education to protect rights and reduce health risks.
A recent media conference organized by the Praja Shakthi Development Foundation at the Grand Oriental Hotel in Colombo has ignited debate over the future of Sri Lanka’s sex industry. Professor Prathibha Mahanamahewa revealed that more than 80,000 sex workers operate across the island and insisted that all of them should be registered and brought under legal control. He argued that such a system would not only safeguard public health but also uphold the basic human rights of sex workers.
Professor Mahanamahewa emphasized the urgent need for stronger sex education programs in schools, noting that children at preschool, primary, and higher levels often lack awareness of sexual organs and processes. According to him, integrating structured sex education into the curriculum could better prepare young people to make informed choices and reduce social stigma surrounding the subject.
Supporting the call, Dr. Harischandra Panandawala highlighted that 95 percent of sex workers now use condoms, significantly reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. He stated that safe practices are already widely adopted, making it timely for the government to focus on regulation and recognition rather than marginalization.
H. A. Lakshman, Executive Director of the Praja Shakthi Development Foundation, added that society must be prepared to accept female sex workers instead of isolating them. He revealed that the foundation is currently working with over 10,000 sex workers across Colombo, Kurunegala, and Hambantota districts, offering support and community integration programs.
The speakers collectively stressed that sex workers deserve social recognition, dignity, and protection under the law. They urged policymakers to act quickly, framing this issue not only as a matter of legality and health but also of human rights and social justice.
