Support the next phase of development : PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today called the nation to support the next phase of the government of achieving development.

Mr Wickremesinghe addressing the UNP’s May Day rally at Campbell Park, Borella said that the first year of the government had been used to stabilize the country economically after the previous regime left the country in debt.

‘Our next phase is development and progress’, the Prime Minister said addressing the rally attended by thousands of supporters from all parts of the country.

He said countries such India, Japan, Thailand, China have come forward for investments in the country.

Mr Wickremesinghe said among the most recent achievements of the country has been obtain the  GSP plus concessions and agree on a plan to develop Trincomalee and the oil tanks in the region.

He said as a result of the GSP+ concessions Sri Lanka will be able to gain duty concessions for some 6600 items including garments.

He said new hotels are coming up so that country’s economy will develop while increasing job opportunities.

‘If there are issues we can discuss, but we will not allow to stop the progress we hope to achieve’, he said.

‘Going by the crowd here I wish to say we are ready for any challenge and any election’, he said.

Political parties, trade unions and other organistions opened the May day celebrations in Colombo and outstations with processions and meetings as some 20,000 police were deployed for security.

Several of the trade unions held their meetings in Colombo today morning while all the main parties are due to hold their processions and meetings later in the day.

Supporters of the main parties – the UNP, JVP and the Joint Opposition have been arriving in Colombo while supporters of the SLFP have been arriving in Kandy for their rally which would be presided over by President Maithripala Sirisena.

The UNP procession is due to start from Maligawatta and arrive at the venue at Campbell park, Borella while the JVP processions commences from Wellawatta and arrives at the BRC park Havelock town.

The Joint Opposition too will have a procession from Slave Island to the venue at Galle Face.

The SLFP processions are  due to start from Girls High School junction and Gannoruwa junction to arrive at the Getambe playgronds.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Ajith Rohana said that some 20,000 policemen both, in uniform and civvies have been deployed for security while checks will be maintained to arrest those driving under the influence of liquor.

Several roads in Colombo have been closed for traffic while some of the bus routes have been diverted.