Political parties and trade unions across Sri Lanka are commemorating International Labour Day today with mass rallies and parades under diverse themes.

The ruling National People’s Power (NPP) is leading its main event at Colombo’s Galle Face Green, which was attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, under the theme “May Day Rally of the People’s Power Building the Country”.

In the upcountry region, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)-led alliance held a rally at the Lindula Municipal Grounds in Talawakele, led by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, advocating “Workers’ Power to Win the Country”.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is gathering supporters in Nugegoda under the slogan “We Have Endured the Deception, Let’s Rise Up Now.”

Other parties are also holding rallies at various places, which include the SLFP-led Podujana Eksath Peramuna, Sarvajana Balaya, and the Frontline Socialist Party in Kirulapone.

Police have announced special traffic arrangements in Colombo and major cities to ensure public safety during the day’s 15 major gatherings.