Police have warned that an increasing number of Sri Lankans are turning to online sexual content production, as several adult websites and mobile applications operated overseas offer monetary incentives.
Authorities noted that many users, particularly young couples, are drawn by the belief that their identities will remain hidden and that such activities can be carried out discreetly from home.
However, police emphasized that promoting, producing, or distributing sexual content online is illegal in Sri Lanka, and those involved may face prosecution. A senior officer told the Daily Mirror that even if websites operate from foreign jurisdictions, participation or facilitation from within Sri Lanka constitutes a criminal offense.
In a recent case highlighting this trend, a married couple was arrested by the Nugegoda Divisional Children and Women’s Bureau for recording and uploading obscene videos of themselves to a paid adult website based in England. Investigations revealed that the husband is a computer engineering graduate from a private university, while the wife holds a diploma in psychology. The couple reportedly turned to producing adult content after losing their jobs and facing financial difficulties.
The arrest took place on Friday (08) at a three-storey house in Rajagiriya, where the couple lived on the top floor, which had been given to the woman as dowry. Police confirmed that the bedroom, living area, kitchen, and furniture seen in the videos matched the third floor of the residence. A mobile phone used for recording and a laptop used for editing and uploading the videos were seized.
According to police, the couple had entered into an agreement with the foreign website in November last year to provide eight videos per month. They had uploaded a total of 334 videos and were earning between Rs. 150,000 and Rs. 200,000 monthly, with additional income depending on the number of views. The couple told investigators they believed their identities would remain undisclosed, as the website had not been accessible in Sri Lanka until August this year. Police confirmed that the couple do not have children.
Authorities reiterated that promoting prostitution or sexual activity through websites and digital platforms is a criminal offense. Individuals involved in producing, uploading, managing, or distributing such content can be charged under the Vagrants Ordinance and the Brothels Ordinance. Persons found engaging in or facilitating these activities are subject to arrest and legal action.
The suspects were scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court.
