Labour Ministry orders probe over employee assault at kottu restaurant chain

The Ministry of Labour has directed the Labour Department to conduct an urgent inquiry into a popular Kottu restaurant chain that has recently drawn public controversy over the assault of an employee. According to a ministry statement, Deputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe has instructed officials to investigate allegations that employees were subjected to verbal and physical harassment by the individual claiming ownership of the chain. The probe will also examine whether staff benefits and contributions to provident funds have been properly paid in line with labour laws. The chain, which operates 12 branches across the island, is expected to undergo collective inspections by labour officers. Reports indicate that some outlets were closed in recent months. The Deputy Minister has asked officials to verify whether workers received legally due gratuities and other payments at the time of closure. Labour officers are also tasked with recording employees’ views on workplace issues and industrial disputes. The Deputy Minister has ordered that a comprehensive report covering all these matters be submitted to him by July 7. (Newswire)