The chairman of the Arachchikattuwa Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) and two of his associates who were arrested by the Chilaw police for allegedly abducting and assaulting the Indian partner of a BOI-approved coir factory, have been ordered to appear before the Chilaw Magistrate’s Court on July 27.
Two weeks after few of the workers had complained to the Arachchikattuwa Pradeshya Sabha chairman Jagath Samantha, of a labour dispute he and few of his associates allegedly threatened the management of the Indian-Israeli collaborated coir factory which employed nearly 100 workers in the area.
The actions of the PS chairman resulted in the temporary closure of the factory. Troubled by the unfolding events, last week C.M Harirajan the Indian partner in the venture arrived in Sri Lanka to check the situation in his factory only to be confronted by the PS chairman and his goons who allegedly assaulted him and forcibly removed him to the PS chairman’s office.
Harirajan who was eventually released by the chairman, admitted himself to a hospital for treatment and subsequently left the country as the situation remained volatile.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, OIC Crimes Chilaw said police arrested Jagath Samantha and two others. He said the suspects were released on bail after being produced in Court.
“We produced the three suspects in Court on June 9 and they were granted bail. We have deployed a few police personnel in the vicinity of the factory and we also carry out regular patrols near the factory. The situation is now under control and the factory is functioning once again”, he said.
“Officials from the Labour Department also visited the factory a few times and the suspects have to appear before Court on July 27 again,” he said.
BOI Deputy Director General A.M.C. Kulasekara told the Sunday Times the BOI would inquire into the matter, but would not get involved, as it did not have the authority to get involved in personnel or labour related disputes.
“The BOI does not have the mandate to look into such matters. This is a labour related matter and also a matter related to the police. We can’t get involved in such personal matters. If it was a matter related to BOI projects then we can handle it. If no action is taken by the relevant authorities, then the BOI could mediate,” Mr. Kulasekera said. |
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