Prostitution in Sri Lanka is illegal, and related activities such as soliciting , [1] procuring , [2] and brothels [3] are outlawed. It is also illegal to traffic persons for prostitution , especially minors.
Child Sex tourism [4] [8] and human trafficking [9] are problems in Sri Lanka. There is a reluctance for sex-workers to use condoms as these can be used as evidence of prostitution if they are arrested. Much of Sri Lanka's law surrounding prostitution dates back to the days of British rule. The Vagrants Ordinance was introduced in Two sections are relevant to prostitution: [1]. In the Brothels Ordinance was introduced.
It provides punishment for any person who: [3]. Section A of the Penal Code defines and prohibits procuring , Section B Deals with the sexual exploitation of children and Section C deals with human trafficking. In addition Section A grave sexual offences , strengthens the legislation on sex with children and trafficking.
Sri Lanka is primarily a source, destination, and, to a lesser extent, a transit country for women and children subjected to sex trafficking. Within the country, women and children are subjected to sex trafficking in brothels. Boys are more likely than girls to be exploited in commercial sex in coastal areas for child sex tourism.
In recent years, a small number of women from other Asian and Central Asian countries have been subjected to forced prostitution in Sri Lanka. Police reportedly accept bribes to permit brothels to operate, some of which exploit trafficking victims. Sub-agents collude with officials to procure fake or falsified travel documents to facilitate travel of Sri Lankans abroad.
