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Ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe extends greetings to SJB May Day Rally
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a congratulatory message to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on the occasion of its May Day rally held today (01). The SJB May Day rally, led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, is scheduled to commence this afternoon at the P.D. Sirisena Ground in Maligawatta. In his message extending best wishes for the rally, the former President stated that the recent period has clearly revealed what he described as the true nature of the current government, which he characterized as being associated with theft, fraud, corruption, and intimidation. He cited the coal scam and the alleged recent US$2.5 million loss at the General Treasury as examples of large-scale financial irregularities. Wickremesinghe further stated that the slogan adopted by the SJB is appropriate in the current political context and expressed the view that it should be taken down to the grassroots level. He also suggested that the theme be implemented through local government bodies, including Pradeshiya Sabhas, Urban Councils, and Municipal Councils. Additionally, the former President reminded party members to continue the work of the committee appointed to explore a joint political path between the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). The letter of felicitation was addressed to SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara.
UNP turns down SJB's call for joint May Day rally in view of Poya Day
Latest News “Let’s move forward together in unity to build a country where all labour is valued, rights are protected, and equality prevails” -PM Published 6 hours agoon 2026/05/1 Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya in her May Day message called upon the working people in Sri Lanka to move forward together in unity to build a country where all labour is valued, rights are protected, and equality prevails. The full text of the PM’s message: The history of the Sri Lankan labour movement is a remarkable journey, shaped over decades by the blood, sweat, and sacrifices made in the pursuit of rights, justice, and dignity. Beginning with the printers’ strike of 1893, the working people of this country emerged as an organised force. Through the trade union movement led by A. E. Goonesinha and the emergence of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, the voice of labour gained political strength. The Railway Workers’ Strike of 1923 and the public service strike of 1947 reaffirmed that the true ’driving force’ behind the country’s economic and social transformation was its working people. I respectfully acknowledge the invaluable contributions of workers in the plantation sector, ports, railways, and across both the public and private sectors, whose dedication laid the foundation for many of the labour rights we benefit from today. As we commemorate International Workers’ Day with dignity once again, we pay tribute to all working people across the world, including the heroic workers who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for an eight-hour workday in Chicago in 1886. This year’s May Day holds special significance as it is being celebrated under a government built through the power of the people, in honour of the entire working community of Sri Lanka. Granting due respect to labour and safeguarding the rights of all working people are core policy commitments of our government. Accordingly, we remain dedicated to creating a fair and safe working environment by expanding existing services and implementing new programmes aimed at improving the living standards of working people. Ensuring fair and equal access for all citizens is a fundamental objective of the government. Following that, it is our responsibility to create an environment in which everyone can lead a dignified professional life. Establishing a national social protection system that recognises unpaid labour and guarantees social security for unpaid labours is among the foremost priorities of our government. On th...
UNP declines invitations to join SJB May day rallies
UNP declines invitations to join SJB May day rallies Hiru News Most visited website in Sri Lanka,Sri Lanka Latest news updates from Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka News updates and discussions.
UNP declines SJB 'May Day' invite, honouring Ranasinghe Premadasa's ...
The general secretary of the United National Party (UNP) Thalatha Atukorale has turned down the Samagi Jana Balawegaya's invitation to attend its May Day rally, saying the party will not engage in political activities on May 01 as the day falls on a full moon Poya day.
