Lanka celebrates first May Day after end of civil war

COLOMBO - Political parties in Sri Lanka celebrated their first May Day after ending the three-decade war against Tamil Tiger rebels on Saturday.

According to a Focus news agency report, the ruling party United People’s Freedom Alliance held its May Day meeting with the participation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa here.

Rajapaksa called on the working class to join his government in developing the country.

He also called the opposition to work with him to fulfill the aspirations of the people.

“Let’s forget all differences and get together now to develop the country. The opposition must not oppose every thing that the government does for the sake of opposing. We can overcome any external threat when we are united,” he said.

The opposition United National Party participated in religious ceremonies when the Leftist party People Liberation Front and other opposition political parties held their May Day processions and meetings in Colombo and suburbs.

The Democratic National Alliance led by former Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka held its first May Day rally in the capital, too.

Compared to May Day rallies and meeting in previous years, the post-war May Day celebrations by the opposition parties were low- key this time. (ANI)