PM Highlights Reforms, Workers’ Rights in May Day Message

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her message marking the 139th International Workers’ Day, said Sri Lanka is commemorating the occasion in a year of progress and under a government that reflects the will of the people.

In a statement released to mark May Day, the Prime Minister described the moment as a “historic turning point,” saying this year’s celebrations come under a people’s government that has risen against “five years of oppression by the ruling class” and brought an end to what she called a “painful chapter in history” for the country’s working class.

Dr. Amarasuriya acknowledged the suffering endured by workers in the past due to nepotism and political favouritism, and said the government was committed to overturning the country’s entrenched political culture. “Year 2024 marks a year of courageous decisions, a determined effort to rebuild a nation that was dragged into an abyss,” she said.

She emphasised that the government is undertaking structural reforms aimed at addressing the economic, political, social, cultural, and moral challenges facing the country. “Although it is not possible to change the deeply rooted corruption and injustices of this country overnight, the government is systematically restructuring and implementing reforms to receive the needs of the people,” she said.
Dr. Amarasuriya also outlined steps being taken to support the working population across all sectors. “A systematic program has been set up to strengthen the economic forces of all working people, including those in the state, private, business, and labour sectors,” she said, adding that particular attention is being paid to empowering farmers working to make Sri Lanka self-sufficient in food.
Calling for collective effort, the Prime Minister urged the public to unite in protecting the rights of workers and in rebuilding the nation. “Let us work together, with unity and determination, to safeguard hard-won rights and rebuild the nation,” she said.