26 Apr 2018 | 01:44 AM UTC
Sri Lanka: Multiple May Day celebrations planned
Various unions are planning May Day celebrations on May 1 despite government order to move celebrations to May 7; political parties plan their events May 6-7
Event
Multiple May Day celebrations are planned in Sri Lanka in early May. At least 14 trade unions announced they will hold events on Tuesday, May 1, in urban areas across the country despite the government’s official decision to move May Day celebrations to May 7 and ban related events from being held on May 1. The ruling United National Party (UNP) is scheduled to hold their May Day event at Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, May 6. On Monday, May 7, the Joint Opposition coalitions is expected to stage a rally in Galle (Southern province). Associated traffic disruptions are anticipated around all rallies.
Context
In late March, President Maithripala Sirisena’s cabinet changed the public holiday celebrating international labor day from May 1 to May 7. According to the president, the holiday was delayed in order to avoid a conflict with the commemoration of the Vesak full moon, which lasts this year from April 29 through May 3.
Advice
Individuals present in Sri Lanka are advised to keep abreast of the domestic political climate and to avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.
