Apr 29, Colombo: President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his May Day message expressed gratitude for the cooperation extended by the working people in our journey towards building a new Sri Lanka.

“As a leader who has joined hands with the working people, I am well aware of the challenges faced by them. We know that terrorism and political differences are serious blows aimed at the working people, which adversely affect their living standards,” he said.

“I know that the working people of this country have realized this situation well. It is due to this consciousness that they supported us with discipline and consideration in the recent past, when we were engaged in a constant struggle against terrorism and the task of building a country devoid of political differences.”

“While being engaged in these tasks, we also shoulder the burden of developing the country, as it is only by such development that the living conditions of the working people can be improved.

"From last May Day to this the government was able to give relief to the working people in the public and private sectors, to help reduce the burdens of the cost the living.”

“You are aware that the government has taken steps to create a sustainable market for agro products. Our government was successful in reducing the cost of essential goods as a means of reducing the livelihood burdens of the working people. It is also taking steps to give relief in the coming years to the people who work for economic development.”

"While expecting the constant cooperation of the working people to enhance development of the country by successfully overcoming the challenges before us, and safeguarding both the country and its territorial integrity; on this May Day I wish the working people of Sri Lanka all strength and courage to build a New Sri Lanka," he said.