Political parties begin May Day rallies and parades across Sri Lanka

May Day parades and rallies organised by various political parties to mark International Workers' Day began today (01).

The National People's Power (NPP) started its march for the rally themed "People’s Power for the Republic" in Maharagama.

Earlier today, another NPP May Day rally commenced at the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council Stadium under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) May Day rally, began this afternoon at the P.D. Sirisena Stadium in Maligawatta, led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

The corresponding parade marched from the Delkanda Junction in Nugegoda to the Maligawatta venue.

Meanwhile, the Sarva Jana Balaya May Day rally, held under the theme "A May Gathering for a Developed Sri Lanka," takes place at the Henry Pedris Stadium in Colombo 5, headed by party leader Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) commenced its rally at Campbell Park, Borella, with the theme "People’s Power Against the Corrupt Government," though they did not organise a parade.

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) holds its rally at Hyde Park under the theme "Working People’s Power Against the Government Dancing to Imperialist Barbarism."

Their parade started at 1:00 PM from White Park, Maligakanda.

The Communist Party’s May Day commemoration, themed "Let’s Build People’s Power for Economic Sovereignty," is being held at the Communist Party Headquarters in Borella.

Additionally, a May Day parade organised by the collective of independent trade unions and mass organisations started from the Lake House roundabout, with the rally scheduled at the A.E. Gunasinghe Stadium.

The United National Party (UNP) opted not to hold May Day rallies this year, organising several commemorative events, including a community kitchen (dansala).

A biryani and wattalappam dansala took place yesterday at the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya office in Pitakotte.

An all-night Pirith chanting ceremony also occurred at the venue, followed by an almsgiving for 50 members of the Maha Sangha this morning.

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) did not hold a rally but organised a memorial for T.B. Ilangaratne near his statue at Navam Mawatha.

National Organiser Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa and other members attended the event, with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also present.