Focus of today’s May Day Rally:

Lankans must defeat all conspiratorial forces

* Darusman Report violates UN Charter

* Undermines fight against global terrorism

* Hijacks Lanka’s reconciliation process

* Strikes a death blow to Lanka’s peace efforts

by L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

All Sri Lankans must use today’s May Day to build a fortress to defeat all conspiratorial forces, said SLFP General Secretary and Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena.

He called upon all Sri Lankans to display the might of the working class at this decisive moment to the international community.

“The working class has a great responsibility in our efforts to transform the motherland as the ‘Wonder of Asia’. I trust that they will clearly identify that responsibility and work in a creative and enthusiastic manner, the Minister said.

The farsighted leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa defeated the reactionary forces and terrorists. The President when he was the Minister of Labour introduced the Workers’ Charter which helped create the environment for workers to render an honourable service.

We all must rally round President Rajapaksa to continue his great service, the Minister said.

A historic UPFA May Day Rally that will reflect the country’s opposition to the Darusman Report will be held under the patronage of President Rajapaksa at the Town Hall Grounds in Colombo at 3.00 p.m. today.

Representatives of all UPFA branch societies from all parts of the country will gather at Campbell Park Borella, Rajagiriya, Maligakanda and Narahenpita. They will come in four precessions at 2.00 p.m. today to the Town Hall grounds, said UPFA General Secretary and Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha.

He said that for the first time, over tens of thousands of UPFA supporters from Jaffna and the Eastern Province will participate in this mammoth May Day Rally.

The historic UPFA May Day rally represents the strength of Sri Lanka’s voice against the Darusman Report which violates the UN Charter, undermines the fight against global terrorism, hijacks Sri Lanka’s reconciliation process and strikes a death blow to Sri Lanka’s peace efforts.

The theme of the UPFA May Day Rally will be “People’s power to protect the country” Upan Bimata Daha Binduwak - Rata Surakina Jana Pavurak.

Over 300,000 people are due to participate in today’s rally. All UPFA constituent party leaders and Trade Union leaders will address the rally.

The UNP and JVP May Day rallies will be held at the UC grounds in Bandarawela and at the BRC grounds in Colombo.

Fifteen May Day rallies organised by other political parties and organisations will be held islandwide.