Spas cum massage centres need to be regulated

The recent detection of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) among two men who frequented “spas” in the Negombo area has caused panic among those operating such centres as well as those visiting them and turned the searchlight on an apparent problem that many choose to ignore. 

The HIV cases came to light after the Police raided over 50 spas or wellness centres which they say were used as a cover to operate brothels.

In recent years, spas have mushroomed throughout the country and a large number of them are fronts for brothels. The ‘open 24 hours’ neon signs can be seen flashing day and night and the businesses carry on with no supervision to ensure safety, hygienic standards or the working conditions of those who are employed in such places.

The areas between Thalawathugoda and Nugegoda in particular have spas open every few metres apart and they have become a cause of concern for residents of these areas. Complaints to the Police regarding them have often been ignored while some residents have faced threats from the spa owners for daring to lodge complaints against them.

Under the current law, ayurvedic spas are required to register with the local authority but many operate without any such authorisation. Even if such a registration is obtained, there is no mechanism in place to supervise these centres and hence it is no secret that most operate as brothels. In a country were sex work is illegal, such work is carried out under the cloak of activities that are deemed legal like spas and massaging centres.

That so many spas operate in many areas of the country shows that there is a demand for such services. Unless the owners can make a profit as well as pay its workers, it is unlikely they can afford to rent premises and carry on such businesses.

Police raids of such places happen from time to time and there have been instances where women who are taken into custody from such centres are showcased as a success story of a police raid. The recent spate of raids in Negombo and adjoining areas seems another such operation by the Police to show they are cracking down on vice but such raids are meaningless and will do little to deter those who make a living by working in spas or brothels.

Like with many other social problems and challenges the country faces, this is an area that needs to be looked at in a humane manner. Government intervention is needed to regulate the operation of such places, ideally with an annual fee levying system but it is also important that these centres are supervised so as to ensure the safety of the workers as well as those who frequent these places.

The HIV scare is an eye opener to the health risks involved in allowing such centres to operate without any supervision. It’s not only HIV but other sexually transmitted diseases too are on the rise in the country and the health authorities need to step in to educate the public on how they can safeguard themselves from getting such diseases. Sex workers in particular need to be made aware of the risks involved in their line of work. It is mostly women who work in spas and massage centres and it is imperative that their safety and security also be taken into consideration given that they are often subject to abuse.

Whether brothels operate as spas or massage centres, the demand for such services is high. Raiding such places will not make the reality of the situation disappear. There are many things in our society which a majority would like to wish away such as prostitution but living in denial will not make it go away.

Having laws that outlaw sex work has not stopped prostitution from growing in the country and police raids will not do so either. Regulating and supervising such places will go some way in keeping the health crisis in the making in check while affording some protection for the workers.