Investigations by the Ministry of Labour into the injustice to employees at "Mr. Koththu"

Following the arrest of Mr. Viraj Wickramanayake, the owner of the 'Mr. Kottu' business network, which has gained immense popularity island-wide, the Ministry of Labour has ordered a comprehensive and swift investigation into the operations of the establishment.

Following the widespread circulation on social media of a video containing scenes of a worker being verbally abused and physically assaulted, he was arrested by the Maharagama Police on June 30th. While the suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Gangodawila Magistrate's Court, Deputy Minister of Labour, Mr. Mahinda Jayasinghe, has drawn special attention to this entire incident.

Accordingly, the Deputy Minister has officially instructed the Department of Labour to launch a comprehensive investigation into all operational activities of this leading institution in the food supply sector and submit a report. This investigation is not limited solely to the alleged assault, but its main objective is to ascertain whether the institution has properly implemented general labour laws and regulations. Authorities are specifically taking steps to verify whether the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Employee Trust Fund (ETF) contributions due to the institution's staff have been paid correctly and on time.

It is reported that approximately 12 branches of the 'Mr. Kottu' service are operating in various parts of the island, and teams of labour officers are scheduled to conduct collective inspections of each of these branches individually. Arrangements have been made to directly question employees and collect complaints regarding the nature of their working environment, their professional issues, and whether any industrial disputes exist within the institution.

In addition, a separate investigation is underway based on information received that some branches belonging to this business have been suddenly closed recently. Here, it will be thoroughly scrutinized whether employees who lost their jobs after working at such closed establishments have been duly provided with the legally entitled compensation or allowances. This entire investigative inquiry entrusted to the Department of Labour must be completed before July 7, 2026, and a report containing its final conclusions must be submitted to the Deputy Minister.