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The NEXT apparel manufacturing factory, a long-standing apparel exporter in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone (FTZ), has closed its operations indefinitely as of yesterday (20), leaving around 2,000 employees in uncertainty.
The factory, which has been in operation since 1978, was a British investment project, producing garments primarily for export to London.
Workers at the facility expressed shock over the sudden closure, saying they had received no prior warning before the factory gates were locked.
According to a document issued to its employees by the factory’s administration, the decision to shut down was driven by escalating production costs in Sri Lanka, which the company stated had become unsustainable.
As of today, the premises remain closed with only security personnel on-site. The security staff confirmed that no responsible officers from the company were present at the location, further fueling concerns among the affected workforce.
The sudden closure marks a significant blow to both the employees and the local apparel manufacturing sector, which has been grappling with rising operational challenges in recent years.
Authorities and industry representatives are yet to issue an official statement regarding the situation.
