Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has decided to cancel its traditional May Day parade this year, replacing political demonstrations with religious observances while planning a smaller Workers’ Day commemoration led by senior party leaders.
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has taken an unexpected step this year by deciding not to organize its traditional May Day rally. The decision was taken by the party’s executive committee following a proposal presented by National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa during a recent meeting of senior party members.
According to party sources, the leadership concluded that a political parade would not be appropriate because May 1 falls on a Poya Day this year, a significant religious day for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Instead of large scale May Day demonstrations, the party has chosen to organize religious activities across the country.
Under the new plan, Bodhi Puja ceremonies will be conducted in every Pradeshiya Sabha area to invoke blessings for workers and their families. Party officials say the move reflects respect for religious traditions while still acknowledging the importance of International Workers’ Day.
Meanwhile, a separate World Workers’ Day commemoration will be held near the statue of T. B. Ilangaratne under the patronage of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
