Sugar factory employees protest at parliament against privatization

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Nearly 1000 employees of the Pelawatte and Sevanagala sugar factories staged a protest opposite the Parliamentary complex this morning. They charged that the two factories should not be handed over to the private sector under the Revival of Underperforming Enterprises or Underutilized Assets Act and should continue to be operated under the supervision of the government. The protesters adamantly stated that they would continue to protest until they get to speak to the prime minister and come to a decision. Vehicular movement in the area was hampered due to the protest.