The Sri Lanka Spa Owners’ Association has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal, requesting an order directing the Attorney General to expedite the drafting of a bill to legalize and regulate Ayurvedic massage treatment centers across the country.
The petition names the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Secretaries to the Ministries of Public Security and Health, and the Commissioner General of Ayurveda as respondents.
According to the petition, the association represents licensed Ayurvedic spas operated under the supervision of qualified Ayurvedic doctors and trained therapists. However, the issuance of operational licenses has been suspended since 2019, causing significant disruption to the industry.
The petitioners further allege that the suspension has led to frequent police raids and interference, restricting their ability to conduct lawful business.
They also claim to have learned that the government is currently preparing a bill to regulate such establishments and have therefore urged the Court to direct the Attorney General to accelerate the process and submit the draft law to Parliament without delay.
