Sri Lanka, Oct. 22 -- The Sri Lanka Spa Owners' Association has filed a writ petition with the Court of Appeal seeking an order directing the Attorney General to take immediate steps to prepare a bill to legalize and regulate Ayurvedic massage treatment centers.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, the Secretary to the Ministry of Health, and the Commissioner General of Ayurveda have been named as respondents in the petition.

The petitioners state that the association consists of licensed Ayurvedic massage establishments (spas) and that each center operates under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor and trained therapists.

The petition further notes that the issuance of lic...