Sevanagala Sugar Factory employees launch strike against Minister Lakshman Kiriella

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - Employees attached to the Sevanagala Lanka Sugar factory have been staging a strike action since yesterday (May 25) evening. The Sevanagala Sugar factory which was under the purview of  Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen was moved under Minister Lakshman Kiriella following the recent cabinet reshuffle. The Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya affiliated to the UNP, the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya, the Inter-Company Unit and several other trade unions who oppose this move are engaged in this strike action. According to the Chairman of the Progressive Workers' Union, Lalith Sripal, the Sugar Factory reached it's peak of development by 2015 and had a fixed deposit of 732 Million rupees. He added that those in power are looting those funds by placing the Sugar Factory under Minister Lakshman Kiriella. Our correspondent said the employees only attend to the essential services of the sugar factory.