On 16th March 2026, the management of MAS announced to employees at the Thurulie facility the decision to relocate manufacturing operations of the plant to nearby facilities following the severe damage caused to the plant by Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025. Thurulie is one of the multiple factories operated by MAS and its partners within the MAS Fabric Park (MFP) in Thulhiriya, Sri Lanka.
Despite significant efforts to restore operations, technical assessments indicate that the long-term viability of the facility has been affected by severe damage to the plant and machinery caused by the cyclone. Thurulie has experienced multiple flood events in the past, including the most recent, Ditwah; and assessments indicate a high risk of recurrence due to the low-lying nature of the property and its proximity to surrounding water bodies.
Continuing operations under such conditions would expose employees and operations to repeated disruption and preventable risk. After careful evaluation, MAS has concluded that continuing garment manufacturing at this site is not sustainable in the long term. As such, MAS will relocate the manufacturing operations of the plant and its employees to nearby MAS facilities.
Continued Employment, Compensation, and Support
All employees at Thurulie have been strongly encouraged to continue their employment within MAS’ other manufacturing plants, as Thurulie orders will to be moved to these facilities. Over 500 team members have already taken up temporary placements at nearby facilities in the aftermath of the cyclone, and the management is now working closely with the remaining 1,600 employees to explore the full range of transfer options, offering employees a 3-month salary incentive for relocation. With MAS’ wide network of facilities across Sri Lanka, we are committed to finding the best possible placements, as retaining our experienced teams is important to us and to the customers we continue to serve.
For those who are unable to transfer, or their personal circumstances make it difficult, MAS will provide a compensation package that exceeds legal requirements, along with all statutory dues and benefits. This process is being carried out in full compliance with labour regulations and with the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities.
Manufacturing across all other MAS facilities continue as usual, and the organisation is focused on maintaining operational stability, fulfilling its commitments and delivering reliably to its global customers.
Thurulie’s Legacy
Thurulie is an iconic facility for MAS and required 40% less energy and 50% less water at the time it was built and was recognized as the world’s first purpose-built green apparel factory to receive LEED Platinum certification. Featuring a green roof, natural lighting and ventilation, it was here that MAS installed its first roof-mounted solar panels in 2008, a symbol of our early commitment to sustainable manufacturing. It is therefore, saddening that the risk of future climate-related disasters prevents us from safely continuing manufacturing operations at this location.
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