The full Statement issued by the Hirdaramani Group as follows:

Since the beginning of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, our dedicated health and safety teams have been working with the Government and Public Health authorities to maintain stringent screening processes to ensure the safety of all our employees.

We have implemented private PCR testing across all our facilities, and as a result, have detected 6 associates of the Hirdaramani Knit, Eheliyagoda (HKEH) factory who have tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, November 21st 2020. They are currently in stable condition and following the required Ministry of Health (MOH) procedures for quarantine and treatment.

As a precautionary measure, we are disinfecting the entire facility and have requested all factory employees, and those in the Group who have recently visited the facility, to self-isolate while we conduct further PCR tests. We are working with the relevant authorities to contact trace, arrange additional tests as required and determine the next steps before we resume operations. The factory will remain closed during this interim period.

Hirdaramani prioritizes the health and safety of all associates and will provide maximum support to all those affected by the current situation, while ensuring that any impact on other employees and communities is minimized and contained.

We express our sincere gratitude to all authorities and front line workers for their ceaseless support in containing the pandemic.