News
MAS Group moving to India: CP asks NPP govt. to act
The Communist Party (CP) has urged the NPP government to take tangible measures to save as many as 1,400 in the MAS factory at Thulhiriya.
The Central Committee of the CP has warned the government of dire consequences unless remedial measures are taken immediately. The following is the text of the CP statement: “We strongly condemn the decision by the MAS Group to close its Methliya Kreeda garment factory in Thulhiriya, a move that will displace approximately 1,400 workers. The Party warns that this closure is a stark indictment of the failed neoliberal economic policies that continue to devastate Sri Lanka’s industrial base.
Reports indicate that the Amalean-owned conglomerate plans to shift the entire operation to India, expanding its footprint of 16 overseas facilities. While MAS has suggested it may offer alternative employment to some redundant workers at other facilities, the CPSL views this as an inadequate response to the systemic de-industrialisation of the local economy.
This closure is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a terminal disease: neoliberalism. We are witnessing the replication of a historical tragedy. The very land at Thulhiriya, originally the site of a massive textile complex gifted to the Sri Lankan people by the German Democratic Republic (former East Germany), was stripped of its potential by the privatisation mania of the J.R. Jayawardene regime. Now, the remaining garment operations are being dismantled to feed the profit margins of Indian operations, leaving Sri Lankan workers to bear the burden.
The Party wishes to highlight the bitter irony of the situation, noting that the sprawling complex, once a symbol of industrial cooperation complete with worker housing, was reduced to empty shells following the privatisation push.
The Communist Party of Sri Lanka calls upon the government to:
1. Reject the logic of privatization, recognize that the closure of the Methliya Kreeda (sports-wear) factory exposes the “dead-end” of relying on private capital to safeguard national interests and worker livelihoods.
2. Intervene immediately, halt the removal of assets and machinery from the Thulhiriya facility.
3. Rehabilitate the factory as a public asset, take immediate steps to reopen the factory under a viable public ownership model, integrated as a strategic component of the national garment industry supply chain.
4. Guarantee employment, ensure that all 1,400 workers retain their livelihoods, either through the rehabilitation of the Thulhiriya plant or through guaranteed state-supported employment in the sector.
The workers of Thulhiriya, who have powered the garment industry for decades, cannot be cast aside for the short-term profit of a corporation moving to India. The government must choose: serve the people or serve the market. We demand a new path, one of national production, public ownership, and the defence of the working class.”
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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