The Omani businessman who was subjected to assault, allegedly by a gang backed by a politico in the Gampaha District, has decided to leave the country after closing his apparel factory in Halpe, Katana.
He expressed his displeasure claiming that the Sri Lankan Government has failed to conduct a fair investigation into the assault so far. As a result, he has no other option but to close the factory and leave Sri Lanka, he said.
The attack was carried out on 30 March by a group of individuals allegedly backed by a politician in the Gampaha District. According to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the group had illegally entered the factory and broken into the residence of the Managing Director and assaulted him and a security guard.
The victims of the assault were reported to have sustained injuries.
During that time, the Omani national had been on an observation visit to Sri Lanka. The factory, which is an SME, provides employment to over 300 individuals.
“As the apex body of the apparel industry, we condemn such acts of violence. We call on law enforcement authorities to act swiftly and take prompt action to uphold the rule of law and bring the instigators of this attack to book. We empathise with those affected by the incident and request that the matter is allowed to reach a peaceful resolution in accordance with the laws of the land,” the JAAF said in a statement.