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Turf once off limits prepares to host biggest May Day rally
View(s):By Ishu Bandara and Dilushi Wijesinghe
Elections watchdog will keep a close eye on political parties holding rallies on May Day falling within the local elections time frame.
Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said rallies will be watched to prevent any possible violations of election laws. He noted that while such events are permitted during the election period under existing regulations, the commission will stay alert to ensure no attempt is made to influence voters.
The Sunday Times asked political parties about their preparations.
The ruling party National People’s Power (NPP) will celebrate May Day at Galle Face Green in Colombo, with the participation of foreign diplomats, General Secretary Nihal Abeysinghe told the Sunday Times.
The NPP will be back on Galle Face Green for May Day
“The May Day rally is organised by our Socialist Workers Union, and we are preparing to hold a rally at Galle Face. We will not be having a parade this time. All members of the NPP, including the president, will be participating, and there may also be invitees from friendly countries. It will be similar to previous years’ rallies, but without the parade,” Mr Abeysinghe said.
The government of 2023 made Galle Face Green off limits for political rallies and meetings under a proposal by Nimal Siripala de Silva, the then ports, shipping and aviation minister. But in November 2024, the NPP Government lifted the restrictions.
Asked about the expected crowd and security, Mr Abeysinghe said more than 100,000 are expected. He said providing public security is the government’s responsibility, and will be bound to ensure it.
The May Day announcement is mainly based on plans made public during the election period. Additional information will be provided in the documents to be shared in the coming days. He also emphasised that the rally will abide by election laws.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that the party rally will be at 2 p.m. in Talawakelle town.
“We will be joined by our coalition partners, including Digambaram, Mano Ganesan, and the team,” he said, adding that around 50,000 are expected.
“There has been a significant gap in the election campaign, so we will combine our campaign efforts with the May Day rally.’’
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, told the Sunday Times a parade will not be held. Instead, a rally will be at the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre in Nugegoda.
“Everything has been arranged to hold the rally five days before the local government election. We are expecting to bring in supporters from all over the island, and we anticipate around 20,000 people. Hopefully, there is a possibility that our former leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa, will also participate,’’ said Mr. Kariyawasam.
“Despite the huge false propaganda against the Rajapaksas and the SLPP, people are now realising the truth and gathering around the party.”
We learned that the SLFP will hold its May Day celebration at its headquarters on Darley Road, Colombo 10. According to Lasantha Alagiyawanna, candidates will not be participating.
“We plan to pay floral tribute to our former leader T.B. Ilangaratne in the morning and then celebrate May Day with around 1,500 trade union members,” Mr. Alagiyawanna said. “We have already invited SLFP and allied party members, including Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranaike and Maithripala Sirisena.”
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