Concerns have been raised over recent police raids on spas and massage centres, with questions being raised about the legal procedures followed during some of the arrests.
Those raising the concerns said many therapists working at such establishments are professionally trained and provide specialized massage services based on techniques involving pressure points and other areas of the human body.
Questions have also been raised over the application of laws relating to prostitution, with critics arguing that certain offences require specific circumstances and questioning the basis for arresting individuals who were allegedly working alone.
Allegations have further been made that some raids, including a recent operation in the Kadawatha area, were carried out without proper legal grounds, warrants or appropriate decoy procedures. It was claimed that some individuals arrested during such operations were subsequently remanded.
An appeal has been made to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Inspector General of Police to look into the alleged enforcement practices and determine whether proper legal procedures were followed.
Concerns were also expressed about the psychological impact of such arrests on those involved and the need to ensure that police action is carried out in accordance with the law.
