A tense situation unfolded at a privately-owned apparel factory in Udukawa, Weligama last night (8 April), as workers launched a protest against the management’s decision to withhold the Sinhala and Tamil New Year bonus.

The unrest escalated when the factory manager was held hostage in his office by angry employees, shortly after he announced that the company would not be issuing the annual bonus this year, citing steep tariffs recently imposed by the United States on Sri Lankan exports.

According to sources, the factory’s governing authority had informed staff on the morning of 8 April that bonus payments would be suspended. The announcement sparked a heated confrontation between workers and the management.

In response, a group of employees locked the factory gates and blocked access to the premises, bringing all operations to a halt. Workers have vowed to continue the protest until their demands are met.

The management contacted the Weligama Police, who have since deployed special police personnel to the site to maintain order.

As of this morning (9 April), the protest remains ongoing, with employees continuing to occupy the premises