A low key May Day in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The major political parties and the civil organizations decided not to hold May Day rallies to commemorate International Labour Day celebrations due to the prevailing security crisis in the country. However, several political parties celebrated May Day today. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party celebrated May Day under the auspices of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute this evening under the theme of "Arakshitha Mawubimak, Javaya Piri Weda Bimak." The JVP held a special programme at the JVP Head Office in Pelawatta, Battaramulla. The United National Party had not planned any ceremony to celebrate May Day this year. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna held a special May Day programme at the Kotte Municipal Council. In his special message on May Day, the President noted, "Today symbolizes the sovereign and fair expectations of the working class strengthened by historical occurrence. Hence I express my gratitude to the working class of the world, who did not stop their struggle which commenced 133 years ago and turned their fights for the rights of the worker and their unceasing struggle.'' Issuing a May Day message Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said: "Be open-minded and don't let the extremist forces destroy our achievements as a nation."