It's a fast food brand we are all too familiar with. With its Golden Arches and juicy burgers, McDonald's has become a household name in most countries. So undoubtedly, it will come as a massive shock when the massively successful company gets reprimanded and order to shutter all their premises. 

On Sunday, The Commercial High Court of Colombo has ordered the closures of all McDonald's stores in Sri Lanka after the parent company had accused the local franchise holder of being unable to meet international hygiene standards. 

The closure, which is to remain until April 4th, comes soon after the US fast-food giant had begun a legal battle over the local franchise holder over allegations of poor hygiene.

"The closure was ordered pending an investigation," a court official said.

He also stated that last week, McDonald's lawyers had declared to the court that they had terminated with franchisee agreement with the local company Abans, who have been holding the franchise with 12 outlets since the US company entered the country in 1998. 

However, when reached for comment, both McDonald's and Abans representatives have declined to speak on the matter. 

The hearing is now set to resume in early April.

Since Sunday, notices have now been seen all the outlets stating that they were "closed" and there was no further indication if or when they will be reopening.

(Source by The New Straits Times)