Minister Jeevan Thondaman

Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman who is an ally of President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday used force backed by his supporters to reinstate 3 estate employees of Kelani Valley Plantations in Nuwara Eliya suspended over disciplinary grounds.

The 3 employees were suspended earlier due to stoppage of work relating to planting of coffee and clearing pending inquiry with Assistant Commissioner of Labour Prabodhani Danapala informed accordingly. The parties concerned were engaged in a discussion regarding the suspension.

However, Minister Thondaman had allegedly turned vociferous during the meeting and demanded the 3 employees be taken back. However, the Assistant Commissioner of Labour had stood her ground despite alleged abuse by Thondaman.

Later on, Minister Jeewan and his goons had stormed the Kelani Valley’s Pedro Estate and threatened the Managing Director and forced the management to reinstate the two employees.

Under severe duress the MD had to comply prompting the plantation industry to cry foul over the conduct of the Minister within President Wickremesinghe’s Cabinet.

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