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Sudden shutdown of NEXT factory leaves 1,400 workers jobless

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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.

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Internet access to all secondary schools by 2026 end – PM

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The government hopes to provide internet access to all secondary schools in Sri Lanka by the end of 2026.

Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya said this in Parliament yesterday (July 09).

She said that as a start up towards fulfilling this goal, the Government has introduced Rs.5,000 unlimited data packages to schools in the country.

The Prime Minister also revealed that a National Education Management System is being developed at present with the support received from the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative.

The Education Minister said that plans are afoot to provide smart boards and other relevant computer equipment and accessories to around 1,000 schools in the country initially and stated that Cabinet approval has been already received in this regard.

She further informed the House that the Government has made a decision to distribute 1,900 smart boards to 1,500 schools in the country that badly require them.

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Body of man found in Homagama

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The body of a man has been found on the unopened Homagama alternative road this morning (July 10), police said.

The victim, believed to be about 35 years old, had a head wound consistent with being struck by a weapon, a swollen neck, and a visible blood stain near his neck, according to police.

The alternative route, which remains unopened, is reportedly very dark at night. Investigators suspect the man was killed elsewhere and transported by vehicle before being dumped at the scene.

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers from the Nugegoda Police Division have begun preliminary investigations, while the Homagama Police are conducting further inquiries.

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Imported milk powder prices upped

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The price of a 400g pack of imported milk powder has been raised by Rs.100, according to the Milk Powder Importers’ Association.

Previously priced at Rs.1,100, the new cost for a 400g pack is now Rs.1,200.

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