On 9 February 2024, management of Sumithra Group in Sri Lanka allegedly physically assaulted union members in the Hasalaka factory and forcefully prevented workers from attending a union meeting scheduled that day. Union members had called a meeting to discuss management’s notice that workers who had received warning letters during the year would not be given a wage increase and that workers who had received two warning letters would not be entitled to a bonus. Following the alleged violence, the union called a strike the following day.

Sumithra Hasalaka (Pvt) Limited, which is part of the Sumithra Group explained that these were “unfair and inaccurate allegations”. The company also argued that it has “engaged in discussions with the union at all times” and the brand union was made aware of the proposed wage increment on 30 January 2024 when no opposition was expressed.