A total of 53 spas and wellness centers in Negombo have been closed down in a coordinated police operation led by the Officers in Charge (OICs) of three local police stations, police said.
Around 140 women, many engaged in prostitution, were taken into custody, police add.
Police spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa informed the media that the recent raids in Negombo, Kochchikade, and Seeduwa police areas were conducted over the past few days. These operations were carried out based on information received from police intelligence units.
Upon discovering the spa and wellness centers were operating as brothels, immediate action was taken to permanently close down these establishments.
A total of 145 suspects, including 8 men and 137 women, were arrested in connection with these operations. Following their arrests, all suspects were subjected to medical tests and two females were revealed as HIV positive.
