Sri Lankan police have been reported to have barred Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP, Shanakiyan Rasamanikam, from visiting a Brandix apparel factory in Batticaloa yesterday and threatened to arrest him.
Rasamanikam was reported to be on a fact-finding mission as he was informed that the factor was operating in violation of health guidelines put in place to curb the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. 28 garment employees at the complex have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
Speaking to the media outside the factor, Rasamanikam said that Kalawanchikudy Police OIC had also visited him at his home prior to his visit to the factory warning him against going.
“I don’t know why the police followed me from my home to the factory. I’m just an MP. I was astonished to see that the police and army had been deployed to the factory premises as I arrived there. I was simply on a fact-finding mission. I have to look into the safety of my constituents in Batticaloa”, Rasamanikam told the media.
This follows alarming reports in October of “cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment” by Sri Lanka's military against garment workers.
Read more here: Sri Lankan army denies abuse of factory workers and forced detention
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