– The Sevanagala Sugar Factory has been temporarily closed following repeated disruptions to production linked to ongoing employee unrest and trade union action, the Chairman of the Sevanagala Sugar Company said.In a media release, the Chairman said production at the factory had been disrupted on several occasions in recent days. Although employees reported for work on August 25, production activities were not carried out properly, resulting in a halt to factory operations.Production was also not carried out on the public holidays of August 26 and 27. As operations had still not resumed by 10 a.m. on August 28, management decided to close the factory until further notice.

The Chairman said the decision was taken to prevent further financial losses, particularly from the payment of salaries and overtime in the absence of active production.Management also alleged that essential maintenance services had been obstructed despite the closure. The movement of lorries arriving to transport and sell sugar had also been blocked, directly affecting the company’s ability to generate revenue.Meanwhile, the company said steps are being taken to address longstanding concerns over manpower and salary structures. Management is currently conducting a formal manpower assessment while working on a new salary framework in consultation with the Salaries Commission.According to the Chairman, the proposed process is being pursued without reducing the wages of existing employees.

The Department of Labour has also formally informed the relevant parties of the legal implications associated with the ongoing trade union actions, the company said.The Chairman stressed that the Sevanagala Sugar Factory plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of sugarcane farmers in the Monaragala District while also providing employment to a large workforce.He therefore called on all parties to work together to ensure the factory resumes continuous operations, warning against actions that could disrupt or damage the institution.The Chairman urged employees to refrain from disruptive or alleged sabotage activities, return to work immediately and cooperate with management to resolve outstanding issues through lawful and amicable discussions