The United National Party (UNP) has formally informed the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) that it will not take part in May Day rallies this year, citing religious considerations.
UNP General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala conveyed the party’s position in a response to a letter sent by SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara.
She noted that May 1 falls on a Poya Day and reiterated the UNP’s longstanding policy of refraining from political activities on such days, instead dedicating them to religious observances.
Athukorala also referred to former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, who had previously stated that it is inappropriate to conduct political events if May Day coincides with a Poya Day.
Accordingly, the UNP has informed the SJB that it will not be able to join any May Day rally organised by the party or any other political group.
Despite this decision, Athukorala emphasised that the UNP remains open to cooperating with the SJB on future political matters.
