N-E workers to join May Day celebrations

by Omar RAJARATHNAM

Workers from the Northern and Eastern parts of the country will participate in this year's May Day celebrations which will be attended by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 1 at the Town Hall, Colombo, Minister of Labour and Labour Relations Gamini Lokuge told the Sunday Observer .

The key procession of the day will commence from Campbell Park at 2 p.m. and proceed through Galle Face Green and Alexandra Place and reach the Town Hall premises by 3.30 p.m. Ministers and Members of Parliament from all the parties which form the United People's Freedom Alliance will participate in the procession and some of them will address the workers.

"It will be a significant day for Sri Lankan workers who have contributed to the country's development through thick and thin. Our workers deserve credit for continuing to work towards the country's economic growth even during the war on terrorism and we want to reward their dedication and commitment at a time when peace and harmony are prevalent in the country. The theme for this year will be Upan Bimata Da Binduwak - Rata Surakina Jana Pawulak and for the first time in over three decades workers affected by the war from the North and the East are also attending the celebrations", he said.