The management of Dipped Products PLC has decided to reopen the Glove factory in Weliweriya, which was temporarily closed following the water pollution controversy which consequently caused much social unrest among the residents of the area.

The management had taken a decision to reopen the factory following a discussion held yesterday (10) with residents and religious leaders in the area at the office of Gampaha Superintendent of Police (SP), Vijitha Komasaru, an Ada Derana reporter said.

Therefore the management today filed a motion with the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court seeking permission to recommence operation at the closed down factory.

Considering the plea, Gampaha Additional Magistrate Heshantha de Mel stated that it is not a matter that concerns the court as a court order had not been issued previously directing the closure or opening of the factory in question.

Therefore the reopening or closing of the factory can be carried out according to the agreements reached by the parties involved in the dispute, the court dictated. 

An agreement reached between the factory’s management and residents of Weliweriya yesterday allows for the factory to be reopened and completely shifted to a different location within 6 months.

The points agreed upon during the talks also include that one section of the factory should be removed before October 15 and that the management should provide drinking water facilities to the 3,000 Samurdhi beneficiary families in Rathupaswala, Weliweriya. 

The management had also assured that the factory will be completely shifted from t he current location within 6 months from the date of reopening.

Meanwhile the Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa stated that statement were recorded from a group of former army personnel regarding the shooting incident in Weliweriya.