Historic May Day:
Massive show of solidarity with President
Rasika Somarathna
*Masses rally to defeat conspiracies
*All unite shedding differences
The United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) May Day rally held at the
Town Hall premises yesterday was described by its leaders and analysts
alike as a historic show of unity and strength. Prime Minister D M
Jayaratne speaking to the Daily News while the rally was proceeding said
that the participation of such a large number of people was a clear
message that the people were united against attempts aimed at disrupting
Sri Lanka’s progress and peace.
While describing it as one of the largest crowds he had ever
witnessed in his political career, the Premier said that this was a
clear indication that the people stood united against any attempts at
creating divisions and conspiracies to destabilize the country from both
within and outside.
He said that this was a clear indication that the country’s working
class was fully behind President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the government in
its efforts to develop the country. Yesterday’s mammoth rally was
attended by all UPFA constituent partners and a number of other
organizations and trade unions.
One of the salient features during this year’s UPFA May Day rally was
the support shown by the masses irrespective of political or other
differences. A large number of people from the North and East
representing various political groups and organizations too joined the
rally. The theme of the UPFA May Day Rally was ‘People’s power to
protect the country’ Upan Bimata Daha Binduwak - Rata Surakina Jana
Pavurak.
A number of processions organized by the UPFA constituent parties
started from various locations in the city and converged at the Town
Hall in the afternoon.
The main procession led by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party commenced from
Campbell Park.
The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. employees led by Chairman
Bandula Padmakumara and the organization hierarchy too joined the main
procession at Campbell Park after starting their procession from Lake
House.
As the processions converged at the Town Hall premises for the main
meeting under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa the Town Hall
grounds and surrounding areas became a sea of heads. Meanwhile, the
United National Party (UNP) May Day meeting had been organized at
Bandarawela.
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) had organized its May Day meeting
at the BRC grounds, Colombo. In addition several trade unions and
organizations had also organized numerous May Day events at various
locations. |