AKD signals 2025 May Day as start of new political chapter in SL

President Anura Kumara Disanayake gestures at his party’s inaugural May Day rally as the Government in office yesterday at the Galle Face Green, Colombo – Pic by Shehan Gunasekera.

• Asserts NPP is no longer hopeful Opposition, but ruling Government
• Says NPP dismantled entrenched systems of corruption, inherited political power
• Emphasises accountability, promising justice for past corruption without exceptions
• Attributes NPP’s rise to 65 years of grassroots struggle and unwavering public support
• States real challenge now lies in rebuilding nation, not political rivalry
• Promises to restore social justice, equity, and law and order despite systemic decay
• Highlights six reform pillars: clean governance, unity, public service, rule of law, international cooperation, and economic stability in building strong SL
• Urges trade unions to focus on national progress, not narrow demands
• Frames upcoming 6 May LG polls as step towards full political transformation
• Notes massive public support as proof of trust in NPP’s vision
• Calls to unite in building just, fair, and future-ready nation for generations to come

President and National People’s Power (NPP) party Leader Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday delivered a fiery and heartfelt speech, not just to celebrate workers, but to declare the beginning of a new political chapter in Sri Lanka—pledging rebuild the nation on the principles of justice, unity, and clean governance.

Standing before a sea of supporters at Galle Face Green at the NPP May Day rally, his words marked a clear departure from the traditional symbolism of May Day rallies—transforming the occasion into a declaration of power, purpose, and national renewal.

“For decades, we gathered at May Day rallies like this hoping to come into power. But today, we are no longer the Opposition—we are here as the Government,” he declared amid a crowd roaring in response.

Drawing a sharp contrast between the NPP administration and past Governments, Disanayake denounced Sri Lanka’s political dynasties and what he described as decades of corruption and inherited power.

“What you see out there are not political parties anymore. They are just remnants. Today, those people are in despair and living under a sense of hopelessness – debris. They passed power like inheritance—from father to wife, wife to daughter, or father to brother and son or uncle to son—like a family treasure. They mismanaged this country, convinced they were above the people,” he said.

He cited the landmark Presidential Election of 21 September 2024, noting it the day of the people, where the NPP marked the turning point in the country’s modern political history. “The people wiped away those political debris, which suppressed them for decades,” he said.

“Those who once lived in luxury are now terrified. They know the gravity of the corruption they were into. They know the crimes they committed. And they also know we won’t let it slide,” Disanayake stressed.

Calling the NPP’s rise a culmination of 65 years of grassroots struggle, Disanayake paid tribute to the loyalty and resilience of supporters who stood by the party through decades of political exclusion.

“We have waited, we have been abandoned, we have been tested—but the people who stood by us have brought us here. We, who have waited 65 years for one goal, will surely succeed in building this country,” he said. 

Stating that there are no political movements to challenge the NPP, he said: “There is no real challenge for us politically out there—now it is within us, near us, in turning this country into a prosperous, stable, and developed nation.”

Noting that the NPP took over a country where people have lost their hopes, with no social equality and law and order, Disanayake assured under his leadership they will create a properly woven fabric that will uphold social justice and social equity.

“However, you all must also understand that this will take some time, because we are taking a 76-year-old, wasted system with a social fabric that is not used to change. But we will develop that country that people longed for, for decades,” he pledged.

Turning to the future, the President outlined the real challenge ahead—not political dominance, but national transformation. He introduced six key pillars of his Government’s reform agenda: clean governance, national unity, a strong public sector, rule of law, international cooperation, and economic stability.

Disanayake spoke passionately about national reconciliation and unity, pointing to the strong support the NPP received from the North and East despite language and cultural divides.

“People in the North and East backed the NPP—even though much of our communications had been in Sinhala medium. That was the level of faith and trust they placed on the NPP. Despite having Tamil-speaking political strongholds in those areas, they chose us. I assure you that the NPP will protect their rights, their lands, and their dignity, just like any other citizen’s.”

Institutions such as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Attorney General’s Department, and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), he said, have already been empowered to serve the people equally and without political interference. 

“Justice would be applied equally to all. No more bending the truth to serve the powerful. Wrongdoers will face justice, irrespective of their social status or political affiliations,” he added.

Responding to scepticism about the NPP’s global standing, Disanayake said Sri Lanka’s international relationships remain strong and constructive. “Some of the hopeless groups and individuals said we would fail globally. But Japan, US, Korea, China, India—they’re all back. All of the countries are working with us and certain projects that were abandoned have now resumed. They see our vision,” he noted.

Turning to the economy, the President promised support for farmers, fishermen, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders “You will have our support. Subsidies, land, infrastructure, machinery—we are ready. But in return, pay your taxes. Let’s rebuild together,” he added.

He also addressed labour unions, encouraging a shift away from narrow demands towards a broader vision of national progress. “We have increased salaries and benefits without being asked. This is not a time for strikes over petty battles. This is a time to unite—not just for a few workers to win, but for the whole country to rise,” he pointed out.

As the country looks toward Local Government elections on 6 May, Disanayake framed the vote as an opportunity to complete the political transformation.

“This Government is yours—the people. You gave us the Presidency. You gave us Parliament. On 6 May, we will rewrite history and ensure that we will seal the victory with the Local Government polls too. Then, every layer of this country will reflect the same principles of justice, honesty and equality within the new governance structure,” he stated.

The President said it was their duty and responsibility to create a sustainable economy for the future generations. 

“The faith and confidence the public have towards the NPP is evident with the hundreds and thousands of people present here at the Galle Face Green May Day Rally when other so-called political parties cannot even gather a crowd for their rallies. We have awakened the people. Now let’s move forward together to transform the country—establishing social justice, fairness and equity, guiding the country in a new direction with goals and a prosperous future. Let’s build a country that future generations will be proud of.”