In an abrupt and devastating move, Next Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, a major garment exporter in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone, shut down its operations overnight on May 19th, 2025—without any prior notice—leaving 1,461 workers jobless and in shock.
Workers were still on the factory floor until 6 PM, fulfilling orders and preparing for another routine day. But by 8 PM, a WhatsApp message shattered their reality: the factory would be permanently closed and sealed the next day.
“I had just borrowed money for groceries,” said one heartbroken worker, a single mother. “Now I have no job, no income, and no way forward.”
The lack of warning has left employees reeling, with no time to prepare, no savings to fall back on, and no support in place. Many had worked for the company for years—some even over the weekend leading up to the closure.
Although some mention of compensation has been made, workers say it’s not enough to survive. “What about next month? What about our children’s school fees?” one asked.
The shutdown has triggered outrage from labor groups and human rights advocates who are calling for urgent intervention from the government and the Board of Investment. They demand transparency, accountability, and policies to ensure such sudden corporate exits are not repeated.
