The authorities have announced an increase in security measures across areas earmarked for May Day rallies, notably in Colombo, prioritizing public safety.

According to the Police Media Spokesman, DIG Nihal Talduwa, a contingent of six thousand police officers will be strategically deployed to oversee security during the May Day parades and rallies in Colombo. An additional four thousand officers will be allocated for security arrangements in other regions.

DIG General Nihal Talduwa emphasized that a portion of these personnel will be mobilized promptly to bolster security measures.

The police also acknowledged the potential requirement for military support if deemed necessary.

Moreover, it has been stipulated that the use of drones to document May Day festivities without prior authorization is strictly prohibited.

DIG Nihal Talduwa underscored the necessity of obtaining official consent before employing drones for such purposes.

In Colombo alone, 14 May Day parades and rallies are scheduled to take place. Concurrently, prominent political parties have initiated preparations to commemorate International Workers’ Day.

The United National Party’s May Day Rally, under the chairmanship of President Ranil Wickramasinghe, is slated to convene at the P. D. Sirisena Grounds in Maligawatte.

Palitha Range Bandara, General Secretary of the United National Party, announced the cancellation of this year’s May Day parade due to inclement weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the May Day rally organized by the Samagi Jana Balawega will unfold at Chatham Street, Colombo.

Tissa Attanayake, National Organizer of Samagi Jana Balawega, disclosed plans for a parade commencing at Gunasinghapura Stadium, culminating at Chatham Street. Simultaneously, another May Day rally by the same party is scheduled in Talawakele.

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will hold its May Rally at Campbell Park, Borella, while the Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s May Day rally is set to take place at the Gampaha Municipal Council Grounds.

Notably, all party members are expected to participate in these events.

Furthermore, the National People’s Power is organizing May Day rallies across various locations, advocating for people power as a means to propel national development.

These locations include those in Colombo, Jaffna, Matara, and Anuradhapura, each featuring distinct start times and routes, culminating in public gatherings aimed at fostering civic engagement and political discourse.

In Colombo, the parade will commence at 2 PM From BRC Grounds and reach C. W. W. Kannangara by 3 PM for a rally.

In Jaffna, the rally will take place at 10 AM at the Thandai Selva Hall.

In Matara, the parade will commence at 2 PM from the Rahula Junction, and the rally will take place at 3:30PM at the Matara Beach Park.

In Anuradhapura, the parade will commence at 2 PM from the Walisinghe Harischandra Grounds and the rally will take place at 3:30 PM at the Anuradhapura Public Ground.

(News 1st)

 (This story, originally published by News 1st has not been edited by SLM staff)