Sri Lanka launches a sweeping crackdown on illegal brothels allegedly operating under the cover of Ayurvedic spa businesses in key tourist zones.
Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe has ordered stricter regulation of Ayurvedic spa operations in Sri Lanka in an effort to prevent brothels from functioning under the cover of spa and wellness businesses.
During a discussion held with officials from the Ayurveda Department, the Sri Lanka Police, and representatives of several Pradeshiya Sabhas, authorities briefed Minister Samarasinghe about companies that are officially registered as Ayurvedic spas or general wellness businesses but are allegedly operating as illegal brothels.
Officials also raised concerns about the absence of adequate laws, regulatory mechanisms, and proper procedures needed to effectively monitor and regulate spa establishments, particularly those emerging rapidly in popular tourist areas across the country.
Minister Samarasinghe emphasized that Ayurvedic spa businesses must operate under clearly defined legal frameworks. He said that new laws and regulatory guidelines should be implemented to ensure that companies seeking registration through Pradeshiya Sabhas obtain the proper approvals from the Department of Ayurveda before commencing operations.
He instructed the Pradeshiya Sabhas, the Department of Ayurveda, and the Sri Lanka Police to work together and hold further discussions to develop recommendations for new regulatory measures. These measures aim to prevent illegal brothels from continuing to operate under the guise of Ayurveda spas and wellness centers.
Minister Samarasinghe also stated that immediate action should be taken against establishments that are confirmed to be operating as brothels while posing as spa businesses. According to the Minister, authorities should move to shut down such locations and suspend their business registrations once police raids confirm illegal activity.
The Minister stressed that strict enforcement and coordinated action between regulatory agencies are necessary to protect the integrity of the Ayurvedic wellness industry while safeguarding Sri Lanka’s tourism reputation.
These directives were issued after reports indicated a recent rise in brothels operating under the disguise of spas in several tourist destinations across the island.
