President hopeful of reaching solution to ethnic conflict within this year

The government is expecting to reach an agreement this year to solve the country's long-standing ethnic issue along with the government's commitment to policies that would benefit all communities in Sri Lanka, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in his Labour Day address today.

In his May Day virtual address at the United National Party (UNP) May Day celebrations in Sugathadasa indoor stadium, the President said all political parties in Parliament should come together to work out a solution for the conflict without dragging this issue further.

With the IMF programme being approved by the Parliament, our top priority is to bring the country's economic condition to normalcy with an average GDP of 6-7 per cent by 2024. Our long-term focus is when the country marks the 100th anniversary of its Independence in 2048, it should be a developed nation, President Wickremesinghe said. 

 "My motivation was not rooted in politics, but in properly managing the country's economy and alleviating the burdens on its citizens. For this reason, I took on the role of the presidency, as I had faith in my ability to revive the economy and work alongside supportive ministers to achieve these outcomes." 

Addressing the rally, former UNP Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said the party has turned out to be playing a decisive role by deciding on the future of the country despite attempts by sections.

Meanwhile, May Day rallies of several other political parties are currently underway in Colombo and the provinces. 

The main Opposition- Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is scheduled to hold a limited procession from P.D. Sirisena grounds in Maligawatte to A.E. Gunasinghe grounds in Pettah.

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will hold only its May Day meeting at Campbell Park Borella without any processions. The MahaJana Eksath Permauna (MEP)  and several other parties would be taking part in the meeting.

The SLPP May Day celebrations would be held under theme “Abiyoga binda Abilasaha Jayagamau” (break through obstacles and win aspirations)

The SLFP has planned their May Day celebrations at the public market at Kandy at 1.00pm. The theme of the SLFP May Day Rally is “Niwahal wemu Sawimath wemu (Let us be Strong and Independent)”

The National People's Power (NPP) backed by the JVP  has its May Day celebrations at Viharamahadevi Park at 4.00 pm. Their May Day March would begin from BRC grounds at 2.00pm and proceed towards ViharaMahadevi Park.

Police media spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa today said that all security arrangements have been put in place with the deployment of at least 3500 police personnel on duty across the country. (Pix by M.A. Pushpakumara)