May 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s political parties and trade unions are marking International Workers’ Day today with a multitude of rallies and parades held in various parts of the country, each group advancing its own message of solidarity, struggle, or resurgence, in what has become an important annual tradition.
At the heart of Colombo, Galle Face Green will host one of the day’s most prominent gatherings, where the National People’s Power (NPP) will rally under the banner “May Day Rally of the People’s Power Building the Country.”
This large-scale event will be presided over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, whose leadership has redefined the political narrative in the post-crisis era. Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that all logistics and security arrangements for the rally have been finalised, with crowds expected from across the island.
In the central highlands, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is set to stage its main Labour Day observance at the Lindula Municipal Council Grounds in Talawakele. Party leader Sajith Premadasa will lead the gathering, rallying under the theme “Workers’ Power to Win the Country.”
The location is symbolic, as it lies in the heart of plantation country—a region with a deep-rooted labour history and ongoing demands for wage justice and improved working conditions.
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), seeking to re-energise its base after a series of political setbacks, will bring its supporters together at the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre in Nugegoda.
Under the slogan “We Have Endured the Deception, Let’s Rise Up Now,” the party aims to position itself as the voice of those disillusioned with recent governance transitions. General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam expressed confidence in a significant turnout, viewing the day as an opportunity to rally their traditional voter base.
At the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headquarters, the Podujana Eksath Peramuna will host a more restrained yet symbolically important celebration. Trade Union Coordinator Prasanna Kalutarage confirmed the event will focus on reaffirming the SLFP’s commitment to labour rights and social justice, themes that have historically formed the bedrock of the party’s ideology.
In Warakapola, the relatively newer political alliance ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ is planning a rally with a modern twist—focusing on transforming workers into entrepreneurs. Under the theme “The Worker Towards Entrepreneurship,” the event, led by MP Dilith Jayaweera, reflects a broader shift in political messaging, where labour empowerment is increasingly linked to innovation, self-reliance, and economic adaptability.
Meanwhile, the Frontline Socialist Party will hold its rally at the Lalith Athulathmudali Stadium in Kirulapone, with the participation of long-time activists and grassroots organisers. The party’s Education Secretary, Pubudu Jagoda, said the event will spotlight class struggle, workers’ dignity, and economic inequality—issues that remain unresolved despite waves of political change.
To manage the influx of participants and the logistical demands of multiple large-scale gatherings, the Police Media Division has implemented a comprehensive traffic control strategy.
With 15 locations in Colombo alone designated for processions and meetings, motorists have been urged to avoid key city arteries and instead use alternate routes where possible.
Security, public safety, and road discipline are being prioritised, with special teams deployed to coordinate event zones and ensure smooth proceedings.
