World Labour Day today; No government rally...

World Labour Day falls today, the 01st of May.

World Labor Day began on May 1, 1886, when a protest by a group of American workers in Chicago demanding an eight - hour shift was targeted.

The protest was held over three days and four workers died when police attacked the protest.

The protest developed into a clash where six police officers were also killed and the union leaders who initiated the protest were imprisoned.

In remembrance of this, in 1889 the International Labor Organization decided to celebrate World Labor Day on the first of May every year.

The first May Day commemoration of Sri Lanka was held in 1927.

Rallies and demonstrations will be held in several cities including Colombo today (01) to commemorate May Day.

The demonstrations and rallies are organized by groups including major political parties and trade unions.

However, the ruling party has not organized a May Day rally or demonstration this year, but it is reported that a May Day rally organized by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna affiliated trade union will be held at the Ananda Samarakoon Outdoor Theater in Nugegoda.

The SLPP told  the media that May Day will be celebrated with the participation of a limited number of representatives of local government bodies and trade unions, taking into consideration the economic situation in the country, including the fuel crisis.

SJB at Independence Square

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya is scheduled to hold its May Day rally at Independence Square.

JVP holds 4 May Day rallies

The JVP has decided to hold four May Day rallies in four main cities this year. 

SLFP commemorates T.B

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has decided to commemorate former Labor Minister TB Illangaratne at their May Day celebrations. Senior Vice President of the party Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa said that a series of rallies and protests will be held throughout the country demanding that the present government step down immediately.

UNP - Conference at Town Hall

The Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya will hold a convention at the Colombo Town Hall, said the United National Party General Secretary Palitha Rangebandara. 

The May Day rally of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, the Democratic Left Front, the Sri Lanka Mahajana Pakshaya and the All Ceylon United Trade Union Alliance is scheduled to begin at 2 pm near De Mel Grounds, Slave Island.

The May Day rally jointly organized by these parties and organizations is scheduled to begin at 3 pm at Hyde Park.

Jathika Nidahas Peramuna May Day rally at Ape Gama

The Jathika Nidahas Peramuna has organized its May Day celebrations at the Ape Gama premises in Battaramulla, said the party's Deputy Leader Jayantha Samaraweera.