2.5.2008
Sunil C. Perera and Chithralal Jayasingha in Colombo
President
Mahinda Rajapakse appeals for the support of the entire
working population to extend their strength to the country’s
leader to develop the nation as a unitary state defeating
terrorism.
He
said the government has great confidence in the labor
community. The President pointed out that the present
government is a government of the labor population. Therefore,
the government is always prepared to maintain strong ties
with the working people.
President
Rajapakse stated this addressing the May Day rally of
the United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance at the Mahaweli
Grounds in Dehiaththakandiya.
He
assured that the eastern province will not be allowed
to return to the clutches of terrorists and support of
the eastern people must be extended to the government
in this regard.
The
people of the north and the Wanni will be liberated in
the same manner their eastern counter parts have now been
liberated. President Rajapakse stated that the government
is engaged in attaining economic independence parallel
to the eradication of terrorism.
He
noted that the government rendered in valuable service
in the past two years especially in revitalizing the public
sector. The President observed that the government also
initiated major projects such as the Norachcholai and
Upper Kothmale power plants.
He
pointed out that the government is engaged in these measures
on behalf of the people not for political motives but
for national dignity. He also paid tribute on May Day
to the heroic war heroes who liberated the east.
Addressing
the rally Minister Maithreepala Sirisena noted that a
few years ago holding an election in the eastern province
was merely a dream. The present government has succeeded
in making it a reality.
Also
addressing the rally Minister Athauda Senevirathne projected
that accelerated development could witnessed in the Eastern
Province after its governance is taken over by representatives
elected by the people.
Minister
Nimal Siripala De Silva observed that the government is
able to fight terrorism because the labor community contributes
with regard to the national economy. Therefore, they receive
the tribute of the government. The aim of the government
at this point is to enable the people of the east to enjoy
the liberty enjoyed by the eastern people. Minister D.M.
Jayarathne told the gathering that an environment will
be created in the eastern province where Sinhalese, Tamil
and Muslim communities could live side by side.
President
Mahinda Rajapaksa adressing May Day Rally at Dehiattakandiya,
Mahaveli ground (pix Suadth Silva)President Mahinda Rajapaksa
adressing May Day Rally at Dehiattakandiya, Mahaveli ground
(pix Suadth Silva)
Minister
Dinesh Gunawardena said the present government has launched
a plan to create a new Sri Lanka through the union of
the labor community.
Making
the welcome address Western Province Governor Alavi Maulana
said the UPFA is hoping to hold a future May Day rally
in the north. At today’s May Day rally four proposals
benefiting the working masses were presented.
During
the process of the rally two UNP members of the Uhana
Pradeshiya Sabha joined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. The
Pradeshiya Sabha Members Hasitha Mahesh and A. Ranasinghe
said they will work together with the Alliance government.
The
May Day celebration organised by the Lanka Kamkaru Pakshaya
was held this morning near the A.E. Gunasinghe statute
in Pettah.
The
event also marked the 117th birth anniversary of labour
leader A.E. Gunasinghe. Addressing the gathering party
leader Vijitha Kadiragonna appreciated the programme implemented
by the government against terrorism. He stated that the
working class is prepared to extend their support to the
government. The late E.A. Gunasinghe formed the country’s
first political party.
The
May Day rally of the Joint Organisation of the July Strikers
was held at the Public Library in Colombo today. At the
function General Secretary of the organisation P. Amaradivakara
said President Mahinda Rajapakse came forward to assist
the July strikers in a manner no previous government endeavoured.
The May Day rally of the Lanka Estate Workers’ Federation
took place at the Matale Town Hall.
Meanwhile
local wire services reported the May Day holiday in Sri
Lanka was marked with low-key celebrations Thursday due
to tight security, with two of the main political parties
deciding to curtail their activities, party sources said.
The
main opposition United National Party (UNP) led by former
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe called off its planned
procession and rally due to security concerns. Instead
the party planned to hold a religious function in a Buddhist
temple on the outskirts of the capital to mark the event.
Earlier
in the day the party commemorated the anniversary of the
death of former president Ranasinghe Premadasa, who was
also the UNP leader, killed in a suicide bomb attack by
Tamil rebels at a May Day procession in 1993.
The
Marxist JVP (People's Liberation Front) cancelled its
procession due to security reasons and held only a meeting
in the capital Colombo.
The
ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) was holding
its May Day rally in a town in the eastern province where
the government will conduct a provincial election on May
10. The May Day celebration turned into a campaign rally
of the party.
In
rest of the country only small, low-key May Day celebrations
were held.
Courtesy - Asian
Tribune - Photos
courtesy of Daily Mirror & Sudath Silva
