Functional Aspects of the Sex Industry in Sri Lanka

The main objective of this study is to identify the functional aspects of the sex industry in Sri Lanka. To this end, how the sex industry is operationalized, the impact of the industry on the society and on the existing social problems was studied. For the study, 50 sex workers in Colombo city who operated independently, on the streets, in brothels and in spas were selected by using snowball sampling method. Law enforcement parties, government and non-government officers who work in this field, clients and brokers were used as key informants. This descriptive study collected qualitative data. Field research, direct observations, semi-structured interviews and in-depth interviews were used as techniques. The collected data were analyzed through narrative analysis by using the theories of Structural Functionalism and Symbolic Interactionism. It was revealed that even though the sex industry is considered a profession that is rejected by the society on the surface, its continued existence confirms its functional aspect. The industry has become a profession that provides economic, mental and sexual benefits to many and various parties, satisfying the needs of those reaching beyond the sex workers. Because of this, it is clear that the sex industry operates in various forms and in a more organized manner.