May Day in Sri Lanka: Honoring Workers and Shaping the Future of Labour – By Nadeeka Every year on May 1st, Sri Lanka joins the rest of the world in celebrating May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day. This public holiday is more than just a break from routine—it’s a day to recognize the immense contributions of workers to the country’s economy and social fabric. A Day Rooted in Labour Struggles May Day traces its origins to the global labor movement in the late 19th century, especially the fight for an eight-hour workday. In Sri Lanka, the day has been observed since the 1930s, becoming a vital platform for trade unions, political parties, and workers’ rights advocates. How Sri Lanka Celebrates May Day In Sri Lanka, May Day is marked by: Massive rallies and parades in Colombo and major cities Speeches by political leaders and trade union heads Cultural ...
