NPP May Day Rally: Bimal Rathnayake Delivers Strong Speech on Political and Economic Change
The National People’s Power (NPP) held a large-scale May Day rally yesterday with significant public participation, focusing on workers’ rights, economic reform, and political transformation. Senior politician Bimal Rathnayake delivered a detailed and strongly worded speech addressing the country’s current challenges.
📌 Criticism of the Current Political System
At the beginning of his speech, Rathnayake criticized Sri Lanka’s existing political structure, stating that it has increasingly served personal and group interests rather than the public.
He argued that traditional political parties that governed the country for decades have lost public trust due to corruption, wasteful spending, and weak governance practices.
📌 Economic Crisis and Public Hardship
Rathnayake highlighted the severe economic difficulties faced by citizens, pointing to rising living costs, increasing prices of essential goods, and the burden of utility expenses.
He also emphasized growing unemployment, especially among youth, noting that many skilled young people are forced to seek opportunities abroad due to lack of local employment.
📌 Call for Political Transformation
He stressed that the country urgently needs a new political culture based on transparency, accountability, and people-centered governance.
According to him, key priorities for a new system should include:
- Transparent administration
- Elimination of corruption
- Fair distribution of national resources
- Policies focused on public welfare
He added that the public has already begun losing confidence in traditional political parties, creating space for alternative movements.
📌 Workers’ Rights and Importance of May Day
Marking the significance of May Day, Rathnayake emphasized that workers form the backbone of the national economy.
He called for:
- Fair wages
- Job security
- Protection of labor rights
- Strengthening of social security systems
He stressed that workers’ voices must play a central role in shaping national policies.
📌 Role of Youth in Future Change
Rathnayake highlighted that youth are a key driving force for political and social transformation. He urged young people to take an active role in shaping the country’s future and to lead the demand for a new political culture.
