A civil society organisation urged the Government to take immediate action to resolve the payment and sale-related issues faced by the employees of the Sewanagala Sugar Factory, warning that if the Government fails to do so within three days, it will result in an indefinite satyagraha protest campaign.

The civil society organisation, Citizens of the People’s Struggle, made these remarks following a token satyagraha campaign held in front of the factory on Wednesday (31July).

Its General Secretary Chanaka Bandara Gunathilaka said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Finance Minister, should take steps to immediately release the necessary funds through the Treasury. He further told The Daily Morning that the Government must prioritise local industries instead of allowing these issues to worsen and lead to the collapse of the production economy, which he warned would result in increased imports.

“According to the information that we have received, the mental health of some farmers has deteriorated to the point where they are likely to consider consuming poison due to the non-receipt of payments from the company,” he claimed, adding that the current situation of the company, which was profitable in 2022, suggests a plot to shut it down and import sugar.