Thousands of tea workers joined the satyagraha to the dismay of the 21 private company employers who say that the cost of production will make Sri Lankan tea non-competitive in the world market. The Employers Federation point to the collective agreement of June 2000 freezing wages for two years. The trade unions say the situation has dramatically altered in view of the soaring cost of living. They also demand an increase in the basic wage and threaten to launch a strike. The Federation has obtained a court order, on the strength of the collective agreement, restraining the unions from industrial action.
Six youths returning to Colombo after participating in the satyagraha were arrested and detained by police at Kitulgala in mid-February.