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SLFP factions see red on May Day over infighting
View(s):The lead-up to today’s celebrations have been filled with speculation about who would be attending the main SLFP rally, which would be held under President Maithripala Sirisena’s leadership at Galle, and who would be at the Joint Opposition rally to be held at Kirulapone, which former president Mahinda Rajapaksa is expected to attend.
There is also focus on the United National Party (UNP) rally at Campbell Park in Colombo while the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) too is promising a show of force as it faces a challenge from its breakaway group, the Peratugami Pakshaya.
The Ceylon Mercantile Union (CMU) will hold its May Day meeting at Hyde Park Corner while several trade unions in the estate sector are also gearing up for the day.
President Sirisena has promised after May Day to introduce a political reform programme.
In his May Day message, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said it is a day internationally dedicated to those who labour and work for the betterment of society at large.
“As a nation, it’s our collective responsibility to ensure that their commitments is valued and appreciated, their welfare is assured and that the proper environment is shaped to enhance their contribution to society,” the message said.
The Prime Minister added that as May Day is celebrated, it is timely to reflect upon the role of the unions that represent the workers and their rights. “The unions must ideally give priority to safeguarding the rights of the workers instead of focusing on political agendas. Such far sighted vision would not only empower the workers but also serve the best interests of the country. We as a government are willing to set the stage for such a progressive move with optimism and sincerity,” the message said.
Labour Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne said in his May Day message that trade unions were numerous in the country, and were able to engage in their activities without any fear.
“There is a conducive environment in the country today within which the working class can win their rights and get solutions to the problems they face,” Mr. Seneviratne said.
Opposition and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Leader R. Sampanthan in his May Day message called on workers to remain united in efforts to develop the country and be conscious of their responsibility to promote national unity.
He also urged the government to protect the dignity of the working class and take all steps necessary to ensure their wellbeing. “I humbly request all political parties to rise above petty political agendas and utilise their May Day celebrations to honour the achievements and advance the cause of the working community in Sri Lanka,” Mr. Sampanthan said.
Preparations for today  UNP, Campbell Park  SLFP, Galle
 Peratugami Socialist Party, Pettah
 Joint Opposition, Kirulapone |