UNP declines invitations to join SJB May day rallies

Participation in May Day rallies organised by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) or any other party will not take place, the United National Party (UNP) emphasised. Party General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale conveyed this decision in a letter responding to an official invitation from the SJB to join their rally.

The SJB officially invited the UNP yesterday (27) to take part in their May Day event. However, the letter noted that the UNP previously decided to reserve the day for religious ceremonies and avoid political activities, as May Day falls on a Full Moon Poya Day this year.

The correspondence also mentioned that former Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa previously pointed out the inappropriateness of engaging in political work if May 1st coincides with a Poya day. While Thalatha Atukorale highlighted that many people expect the UNP and SJB to work together and remains committed to those public aspirations, the letter stated that the UNP is ready to collaborate on future political activities.