- NGO Claims Over 40,000 Women Now Engaged in Online Prostitution
- Spas and Massage Parlours Surge to 10,000 Since 2019
Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic crisis, exacerbated by the rising cost of living and a lack of job opportunities, is pushing many women into desperate financial situations. With the country still grappling with instability, increasing numbers of women are turning to online prostitution as a way to make ends meet.
The failure of successive governments to stabilize the economy and provide sustainable employment solutions has left vulnerable populations, particularly women, facing a dire predicament. Despite Sri Lanka no longer being officially bankrupt, the economic struggles continue to expose deep-rooted social problems that urgently require attention.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly severe on the workforce, with many women losing their jobs as garment factories and other businesses shuttered. This has resulted in a significant rise in unemployment, especially among women. With few alternatives for livelihood, some have been left with no choice but to seek income from online prostitution.
According to the National Women’s Coalition, an NGO that works with women, nearly 40,000 housewives have turned to online prostitution since 2022, citing the economic crisis as the driving factor. Its president, Hasni Silva, stated that for many women, online prostitution has become a last-resort means of survival amid the lack of job opportunities.
The closure of many industries and businesses has also led to an increase in women seeking work in spas and wellness centers. The number of such establishments has surged to 10,000 since 2019, a direct consequence of the economic downturn. However, only 6,000 of these centers are officially registered with the Ministry of Health. These businesses charge between Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 10,000 per hour for services, which has created a significant income avenue for women, but often under exploitative conditions.
While many women try to balance domestic work and self-employment, they find that the recent increases in electricity bills and household expenses are pushing them to seek additional income sources. Silva emphasizes that despite the country’s recovery from the bankruptcy label, the instability still exists, making it difficult for women to support their families solely through domestic work or self-employment.
Silva is calling for urgent action from the government to empower women and support the development of their self-employment businesses. She also holds previous administrations responsible for the economic collapse that has left women in such precarious situations. According to Silva, it is critical that the government take measures to address these issues, create sustainable job opportunities, and provide support for women to help break the cycle of exploitation.
