Sri Lanka Police have busted over 50 brothels that had been operating under the guise of Ayurvedic Spas in Negombo, leading to the discovery of two women, including a minor, testing positive for HIV.
The Ayurvedic spas, which had been operated illegally, were raided over the last week based on a tip-off, after which measures were taken to shut down 53 spas.
According to the Police, the raids were launched after an individual addicted to alcohol had been subjected to a medical examination during which he was found to have tested positive for HIV.
Further investigations revealed that the man, a resident of Kochchikade in Negombo, was a frequent visitor to a spa in the Negombo area.
This information led to the Police inspecting spas in the area, during which 120 young women had been taken into custody and subjected to medical examinations.
The Police said among the women, two, including a 15-year-old girl had tested positive for HIV.
Investigations have revealed that the minor had left home over a dispute with her relatives after which she had been sold to a spa by an individual.
The Police said one person who had engaged in sexual activities with the minor had been arrested and remanded.
Eight other spa workers who had also contracted other social diseases had been identified during the raids.
Following the inspections, the Police have taken measures to shut down over 50 illegally operated spas in the Kochchikade and Seeduwa areas in Negombo. (NewsWire)