Govt May Day rally in Dehiattakandiya

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

COLOMBO: Moves are under way to hold the May Day Rally of the People’s Alliance at Mahaweli Grounds, Dehiattakandiya as a mark of gratitude to the brave soldiers who liberated the Eastern Province from the clutches of LTTE terrorism, General Secretory of the SLFP Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday.

The May day public gathering will commence at 2.00 p.m. with the participation of trade unions, the Minister said.

“There are two major reasons to choose the Eastern province. In addition to honouring our brave soldiers whose sacrifices led to the liberation of the Eastern area, no major political party has held the May Day rally in Eastern province,” Minister Sirisena said, explaining why the Government has chosen the Eastern province to hold the May Day rally.

The Minister pointed out that under the presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa the Government has never privatised or liquidated any Government owned institution during the past two years unlike the then Governments.

“It indicates the commitment of the government.” Addressing the media briefing Minister of Transport Dallus Alahapperuma expressed confidence that the May Day rally in 2009 could be held in Jaffna or anywhere else in Northern or Eastern provinces considering the successful pathway to eradicate terrorism. Ministers D.M. Jayaratne, Athauda Seneviratne, Governor Alavi Mowlana and leaders of trade unions participated.