The police do not have the power to arrest women working in spas.

The Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Nimal G. Punchihewa, said that there has been an increase in complaints against the Sri Lanka Police, Education and Health sectors regarding human rights violations.

The Commissioner stated that about 600 complaints have been received so far this year and that the complaints are being investigated and resolved promptly.

He said that it is not permitted by law to break into spa establishments and take women to the police, and that it should be remembered that the police are not an armed gang.

The Commissioner made this statement at a commemoration ceremony held at the Weera Monarawila Keppetipola Hall of the Matale District General Secretariat to celebrate International Human Rights Day.