We disagree with decision to stop May Day rallies – JVP

Member of the Political Bureau of the JVP Sunil Handunnetti states that the JVP does not agree with the decision taken by the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID – 19 Outbreak to stop the May Day rallies.
He says that under the leadership of the Colombo Deputy Inspector General of Police, all political parties were summoned on the 19th to hold rallies, pre-arranged activities such as allocating sports grounds and security. However, on the 20th, the May Day rallies have suddenly been cancelled today, highlighting health reasons mainly to disrupt the May Day festivities.
Speaking further, Mr Handuneththi said, “Yesterday, a discussion was held at the Colombo DIG’s office under the chairmanship of the Colombo DIG to allocate sports grounds for the May Day. Officials of the Colombo Municipal Council and party representatives were also present. After reserving the grounds during the discussion, the Covid Control Center called us last evening (19) and told us that a discussion would be held today (20) to discuss the health recommendations to be followed during May Day. Party representatives were asked to participate in it.
Today the Covid Control Center decides not to hold May Day due to health reasons. We do not agree with the decision not to hold May Day. However, there have been many festivals held in our country through a decision has been taken not to hold May Day for health reasons. Thousands of party members gathered to chat, especially when the President participated in his’ conversation with the village’. Hundreds of thousands travelled across the country for the Sinhala and Hindu New Year. What the government is trying to do now is to prevent others from holding May Day rallies as the government is not capable of holding such a May rally due to the current political crisis in it.
At present many parties representing the government are unable to decide which platform they will take. As the Sri Lanka Freedom Party leader, President Maithripala Sirisena recently said that they would hold a May Day alone. Also, due to the massive economic crisis faced by the government, the rights of the working people are being slashed, and the country is facing a major crisis due to the economic devastation the wrong policies the government is following. Due to that crisis, we believe that the government is conspiring to sabotage the May Day celebrations.
Therefore, we see this as a decision taken due to the political crisis and the economic crisis faced by the government rather than a decision taken due to health reasons. Therefore, as a party, we express our complete opposition to the decision not to hold the May Day, putting forward health reasons, especially on the grounds that sports grounds have been already set aside to celebrate May Day. We do not agree with this decision.
Even our representative who participated in the discussion this evening has made it very clear how May Day could be held following all health recommendations and how we, on our part, would implement health recommendations. Therefore, as a party, we have to decide whether to hold May Day or not. It is a decision that we, as a party, should take rather than a matter for the government to decide. We are very clear that we do not agree with this decision.”