Colombo (News1st) – Sri Lanka will celebrate international labour day on the 7th of May following a cabinet decision.

The Government then decided to cancel the public holiday on the 1st of May and grant a public holiday on the 7th of May. The Department of Labour notes that this public holiday should be granted to all employees including those serving in the private sector.

Commissioner General of Labour A. Wimalaweewa noted that they have received information that some private sector organisations are attempting to bypass this decision to grant a public holiday on the 7th of May.

The proposal to shift the May Day celebrations was presented to cabinet by President Maithripala Sirisena and it received cabinet approval on the 28th of March. The proposal was presented in order to avoid May Day celebrations clashing with Vesak full moon Poya day which falls on April 29, which was requested by the Mahanayaka theros  as well.

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