Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Friday, 1 May 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday expressed confidence that COVID-19 will be contained due to the support of the working class and that this achievement will be notched up alongside others in history.
Releasing his May Day message, the President emphasised the respect he has for the working masses, as well as their resilience and commitment.
The full statement is given below.
I wish to make use of this occasion of International Workers’ Day to salute and pay my respect to the working masses, who are making boundless sacrifices in the face of the challenges before the nation which are caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Many were the challenges we faced and overcame throughout history. In each such instance, the working class in the country is the segment that was directly affected and at the forefront. History has proven their resilience and commitment, which indeed is a great credit to the working class. It is certain that we will win the battle against COVID-19 as we conquered all the difficulties in the past, hand in hand with the working class.
International Workers’ Day is an opportunity to showcase the unity, strength and revolutionary spirit of working people to the world.
The global working community has lost the opportunity to celebrate May Day this time due to the global pandemic. Nevertheless, I am confident that their determination to create a better and just society will remain the same.
Our Government, despite difficult circumstances, did not disrupt the daily life of the working people. We did not allow any room for such a situation to occur. Similarly, we will take steps to secure the daily livelihood of the workforce, by ensuring the functioning of the production and service sectors while mitigating the effects of the epidemic.
Last year, the working class of our country had to forego May Day celebrations due to the Easter Sunday carnage. Even though we have ended that inhumaneness, due to the unexpected world epidemic situation, this year, too, May Day celebrations and processions will not be held.
This decision was taken according to the guidelines prescribed by the health authorities. Nevertheless, we should pursue the struggle to achieve just rights. May the aspirations of this International Workers’ Day further enhance the courage for the collective efforts of rebuilding the Sri Lankan nation and the economy of the country.
I salute the Sri Lankan working class.
