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Fonterra to answer contempt of court charges, while enjoining order is lifted
View(s):The enjoining order preventing Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Limited from advertising, selling and distributing its products either directly or through agents which was enforced for 14 days, was lifted by Gampaha Additional District Court Judge Indika Kalinga Upawansa on Friday.
Gavin Scott, a representative from Fonterra New Zealand speaks to a lawyer at the Gampaha Court on Friday
The order was lifted two weeks after the Gampaha District Court issued the enjoining order on August 16, effective for 14 days, in response to a case field by the Government Nursing Officers’ Association. The District Judge said the petitioner had not presented enough evidence to Court to justify an extension of the enjoining order and lifted it in response to the appeal by counsel who appeared for Fonterra Brands Lanka.
Manoj Bandara, Counsel for Fonterra told Court that the enjoining order be lifted as the petition had suppressed and misrepresented facts submitted to the courts.
Isuru Balapatapendi who appeared on behalf of the Managing Director of Fonterra Lanka said the company has not forced anyone to consume products distributed by it and that the choice was in the hands of the consumers.
He said that as results of this petition, there has been a far reaching impact on the Company and said that there were other forces behind those who petitioned the court.
Upul Jayasuirya, Counsel for the petitioner said that even though it represented a trade union, its members also have their private lives and their families who would be affected if the milk products they consume are contaminated. He said that the petitioner has come forward to take on an issue that is of interest to the public at large and hence the petitioner association should be commended.
The case will be heard again on September 25.
Vehicle carrying representatives from New Zealand arriving at the Fonterra complex in Biyagama that was closed on Friday. Pix by Indika Handuwala
The District Judge re-issued summons on the company’s Directors, returnable on September 24, to be present in Court to face contempt of court charges for failing to adhere to the enjoining order when it was in force
Fonterra to resume operations soon
New Zealand’s Foneterra Group which suspended its operations on Friday will reopen its factory “as early as possible” after authorities guarantee a “safe and friendly environment” for their operations, Managing Director of the company here, Leon Clement told the Sunday Times yesterday.
Mr. Clement said they had no plans to pull out from the Sri Lankan market and hoped to continue its business activities in the country.
He said they had sufficient stocks to resume operations immediately.
The Sunday Times learns that the operations are expected to commence within a week.
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