No restrictions on marking Labour Day on May 1: Samarasinghe

The government moved the celebrations to May 7 on a request made by the Maha Nayake Theras because of the fact that May 1 coincides with Vesak Full Moon Poya Day

Although the government had decided to mark the Labour Day on May 7 this year, it has not prevented any political party or trade union from celebrating the International Labour Day on May 1, Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said yesterday.

He said the government took this decision on a request made to President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe by the Chief Prelates of the four Nikayas.

“The unity government’s main constituent parties -the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) -- will hold their rallies on May 7. Several other groups have also decided to do so on this day. However, many trade unions will celebrate the Labour Day on May 1 as usual and the government has not barred people from doing so. The government moved the celebrations to May 7 on a request made by the Maha Nayake Theras because of the fact that May 1 coincides with Vesak Full Moon Poya Day. Political parties and trade unions are free to mark the Labour Day on May 1, as long as they don’t disrupt Vesak activities,” the minister said.

He told a media conference that the SLFP Central Committee presided by the President met on Tuesday and decided to hold its main rally in Batticaloa and appointed a committee headed by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva with the assistance of State Minister A.L.M. Hizbullah to arrange the celebrations.

“The SLFP will not hold a procession but only the rally at a venue to be named soon. However, the SLFP will hold an exhibition at the BMICH on May 1 to pay tribute to former SLFP leaders such as T.B. Ilangaratne and Alavi Moulana who contributed to its success for more than 60 years,” the minister said. PIC BY KITHSIRI DE MEL