Working people in their thousands rally round President

Chaminda Perera

Tens of thousands of working people regardless of their political differences participated in the UPFA May Day rally to express their solidarity with the President who brought peace to the country following the 30 year conflict.

They voiced anger against forces which are engaged in various conspiracies to disgrace the government and the security forces who liberated the country from the clutches of the terrorists.

Traditional drum beats echoed throughout the area instilling a sense of patriotism. President Rajapaksa received a thundering applause as his motorcade entered the CMC grounds.

The rally commenced with the arrival of the Prime Minister and other leaders of the UPFA constituent parties and trade unions.

Youth Affairs Minister Dullus Alahapperuma, as the chairman of the May Day organizing committee made the welcome speech. Senior Minister of Human resources and leader of the Communist Party DEW Gunasekera made a proposal commending the members of the international community who helped the country to eradicate the menace of terrorism. The minister, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, lauded the friendly countries which extended their utmost support for the eradication of terrorism in Sri Lanka.

This international proposal forwarded by Minister Gunasekera condemned all sorts of conspiracies hatched by international reactionary forces and groups against Sri Lanka and the freedom and peace enjoyed by the people with the eradication of terrorism. The proposal further said that the country should join hands with the international community to further promote amity and close cooperation between the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Malay communities in the country.

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne made the political proposal at the rally. UPFA parliamentarian Manusha Nanayakkara and TNA Ampara district parliamentarian P.H. Piyadasa also spoke.

The cultural troupe of National Youth Services Council performed.