News

Sudden shutdown of NEXT factory leaves 1,400 workers jobless

Published

2 months ago

May 21, 2025

editor

More than 1,400 employees of the NEXT garment factory in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone were abruptly left jobless after the company announced its immediate closure via a WhatsApp message late on May 19.

The factory, operational for nearly 40 years, cited rising costs and persistent financial losses as reasons for shutting down. A company statement revealed that 1,416 out of 2,825 workers were affected, while employees in other divisions would retain their jobs.

Workers were offered a severance package of two months’ salary, but trade unions argue the closure breached labor agreements and was executed without proper notice.

“This is an unjust dismissal—workers deserve fair treatment and consultation,” said a union representative, demanding government intervention.

The sudden shutdown has sparked protests, with employees calling for legal action and better compensation. The Ministry of Labour is expected to review the case amid growing concerns over worker rights in Sri Lanka’s export sector.

News

Former Eastern Provincial Council member arrested

Published

37 minutes ago

July 6, 2025

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Ampara District Organizer of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal party and former member of the Eastern Provincial Council K. Pushpakumar alias Iniya Bharathi has been arrested.

He was arrested over the abduction and disappearance of the former Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University Prof. Subramaniyam Ravindranath.

Sivanathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, the leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) and former State Minister, was arrested by the Colombo Criminal Investigation Department at his office in Batticaloa on April 8, over this incident.

He was later detained for 3 months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Iniya Bharathi, also known as Kumaraswamy Pushpakumar, was arrested based on information revealed during the interrogation of Pillayan.

News

e-Revenue Licence system down due to technical glitch, ICTA says

Published

39 minutes ago

July 6, 2025

editor

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) said the electronic Revenue Licence system (eRL 2.0) is currently unavailable due to a critical technical infrastructure issue.

According to the ICTA, the disruption began on July 3, 2025, and has made vehicle revenue licence issuing services inaccessible.

The unavailability is expected to continue until July 9, 2025.

The ICTA expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public and assured that technical teams are working urgently to resolve the issue.

The agency also said that further updates will be shared as work progresses, with an official notice to be issued once services are restored.