(-2025.06.13 – German-) – Says President during meeting with Sri Lankan Diaspora in German President Anura Kumara Disanayake said the National People’s Power government was formed with the united will of all the nation’s people, transcending ethnic and religious divides, with the paramount objective of making Sri Lanka a better state. He firmly stated that […]
(-2025.06.13 – German-)
– Says President during meeting with Sri Lankan Diaspora in German
President Anura Kumara Disanayake said the National People’s Power government was formed with the united will of all the nation’s people, transcending ethnic and religious divides, with the paramount objective of making Sri Lanka a better state. He firmly stated that he would not allow the expectations placed upon the government by the Sri Lankan people to be shattered in any way.
The President made these remarks yesterday (13) afternoon during a meeting with the Sri Lankan community residing in Germany. A large gathering of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, investors and professionals based in Germany participated in the event, welcoming the President with great warmth.
Addressing the gathering, President Disanayake noted that a new political culture has now been established within Sri Lanka. He emphasised that, for the first time, a government has been created where the will of the people and the will of the rulers have become one. He affirmed that the government would continue its programme to fulfil the expectations of both the country and its people. The President further remarked that while other adversarial groups might set aside their differences and unite amidst progressive political efforts, it must not be forgotten that their unity stems not from national interest, but from a desire to conceal their own corruption, fraud and crimes.
President Disanayake gratefully acknowledged the significant contribution made by the Sri Lankan community in Germany towards the National People’s Power government’s victory in the last Presidential Election. He invited them, saying, “Let us all join together with renewed determination and commitment to rebuild the nation moving forward.”
Addressing the Sri Lankan community in Germany further, the President added: “I have visited Germany on several previous occasions and met the Sri Lankan community in this manner. Many of those faces remain in my memory. On every such occasion, we appealed to unite and form a government to rescue our country from the path of destruction it was traversing. The people of the country entrusted us with power during the last Presidential Election and the subsequent Parliamentary Election. The expatriate Sri Lankans provided immense strength in securing this mandate. Therefore, I first extend my gratitude for the contribution you made towards establishing the National People’s Power government.
What kind of victory is this that we achieved? Our country had been navigating an economic path that was highly destructive for a long period. Consequently, the people granted us their vote to strengthen the country’s economy. Furthermore, they voted for us with the expectation of establishing corruption-free governance and ensuring punishment for those who committed fraud and corruption. There was also a prevailing view that the rule of law must be established equally for everyone within the country. Moreover, politics itself had long divided our nation. Hence, the people harboured an expectation to create national unity in place of this divided nation. Thus, the National People’s Power government was formed not for the personal desires of the people, but for the common aspirations of the country and its people. This government was built upon the collective resolve to make this nation a better state.
For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, a government has been formed with the blessings and consent of all the people living in the North, East, hill country and South, irrespective of Sinhala, Tamil, or Muslim differences. Previously, leaders were chosen based on specific provinces. However, all that has now ended. Furthermore, considering the results of the Parliamentary Election, we have formed a government with the largest parliamentary majority in Sri Lanka’s history. The people have completed their part in granting power. That phase is over. Now, while we bear responsibility as rulers, the people also bear a responsibility regarding how we progress collectively.
You are aware that when we assumed government, our country had formally declared bankruptcy. Consequently, as a bankrupt state, we faced the challenge of reaching an agreement with our creditor nations. It is unthinkable for a bankrupt country to embark on a new economic journey. Therefore, we first needed to reach an agreement with our creditor nations. Accordingly, we successfully concluded the debt restructuring programme on December 15th last year. This marks a very significant economic turning point. Without it, contemplating the future of our country’s economy today would be impossible.
Subsequently, the challenge we faced was restarting stalled projects. At that time, work on the Kadawatha-Mirigama Expressway had halted. Similarly, the construction of the Katunayake Airport had stalled. In this manner, 11 projects initiated by the Chinese government were suspended. During my visit to China, I discussed this matter with the Chinese President and other leaders. Consequently, we were able to restart a significant number of the stalled projects, and agreements are also in place to initiate a substantial number of new projects. A country that had stopped is now beginning to run again. Previously, investors wouldn’t even glance towards our country. However, today those projects have restarted. This is an important turning point.
Additionally, another challenge we faced was building strong international relations. We all know that in this century, no country in the world can afford to live in isolation any longer. The world is interconnected commercially, technologically and economically. Therefore, it is essential to build strong and stable foreign relations with the world’s nations. We have achieved significant victories in this regard. Within a very short time of forming our government, the Prime Minister of our neighbouring country, India, visited Sri Lanka. Similarly, we strengthened relations with China. Furthermore, we are strengthening relations with other nations as well. Favourable foreign relations beneficial to the country and its people are essential to emerge from the crisis we face.
Moreover, it is imperative to increase state revenue. In 2022, our country recorded the lowest state revenue in the entire world. Our revenue had fallen to near 7% of the GDP. This year, we have undertaken the challenge of increasing our revenue to 15.1% of the GDP. That is double the revenue compared to 2022. Without earning revenue for the Treasury, it is impossible to invest, maintain an efficient state service, or provide the services the people require.
Accordingly, we have planned significant revenue targets. There are three main sources of government revenue: the Inland Revenue Department, the Excise Department and the Customs Department. We have set monthly targets for each of those institutions, and we can be happy when we review their progress.
Furthermore, there was an issue with taxes in our country. Income taxes had risen significantly. Approximately, individuals earning one lakh rupees were completely tax exempt, whereas those earning one and a half lakh rupees enjoyed a 72% tax exemption. In this way, we have given a substantial tax exemption to ordinary citizens. But the value added tax is still high. Our goal is to reduce this 18% VAT within our term. Therefore, we are in the process of developing the tax network. To achieve this, we are maximizing our efforts in digitalization. As a result, we are establishing the essential mechanisms for the effective collection of these taxes. We have also devised a plan to phase out cash transactions and shift to software-based systems for conducting transactions. This will enable us to carry out those transactions transparently. Additionally, we have optimized the process for collecting taxes from tax evaders.
Furthermore, our state machinery is notably weak and ineffective. Consequently, it is essential to enhance the efficiency of these institutions. To achieve this, individuals with expertise and skills should be brought into public service. So, we have introduced salary increases to make the public service an attractive place, aiming to draw in skilled and talented individuals to this sector. The state service plays a major role in the development of any country. We have taken steps to restore and rebuild the collapsed public service in the country.
Also, we have approved the recruitment of 30,000 new persons for the public service. These recruitments will be carried out in a very systematic manner according to the requirement. Today, no government institution is permitted to hire staff arbitrarily. A Committee has been appointed for this purpose. We will refrain from making those recruitments today due to political considerations. We can advance this state as it currently stands and then resign when our term concludes. Alternatively, we need to clean the public service with firm determination. We have embraced that challenge.
The Police Department is an important institution in establishing law and order in our country. Nonetheless, the Police Department had adopted characteristics similar to those of organized criminal gangs. Consequently, for the first time in Sri Lanka, the Inspector General of Police concealed himself out of fear of the police. If the National People’s Power government is not formed, he will continue to serve as the Inspector General of Police. We are recruiting new police officers. We are giving them appropriate salaries. We are also ready to punish those who engage in illegal activities. Because we need to establish a Police Department that has earned the trust of the public in our country. The next important institution is the Department of Immigration and Emigration. It is a very important institution for us in terms of protecting the country’s borders. It is important for a country to know who enters our country and who is allowed in. But, what happened recently? The Department of Immigration and Emigration has issued passports to underworld leaders. The underworld leader is currently overseas. When you get a passport, you have to upload a photo. The owner has to come and give his fingerprints. Three passports have been issued for one underworld leader. However, the person who gave the fingerprints was a book seller at the Pettah bus stand. We have arrested him. This department has collapsed to that extent.
Next is the Department of Motor Traffic. Based on the information obtained in the morning, when the officers went there to inspect the relevant officer’s cupboard, they have found over four million rupees. Three individuals were taken into custody.
As a result of the changes implemented in Matara Prison, we relocated the inmates to Agunakolapelessa Prison. Subsequently, we recovered seven handcuffs from Matara Prison. This indicates that the handcuffs were in the possession of the prisoners. A total of 27 keys of handcuffs were discovered including phones, chargers and iPads. This reflects the current state of our country. Furthermore, prison officials have begun granting pardons to inmates. Essentially, what I am conveying is that this is status where our nation once stood. These are important institutions. Customs, Prisons Department, Police Department, Immigration and Emigration Department, these are the backbone of a country. All of that has collapsed. We are supporting the endeavour that will clean up all of this. Our children need responsible officials and institutions. We cannot allow small empires to be built across the country.
We will take steps to eliminate all of these empires. There exists only one state in Sri Lanka. A democratic state chosen by the public. Our objective is to reach that point. That is our current endeavour.
As a political authority, we take pride in our honesty. We do not misappropriate even a single cent of public funds. We do not waste resources. We have established this standard. However, it is insufficient. The public service must also adhere to this principle. We have constantly invited them to come to that point. The people of this country are yearning for justice. The political authority does not have the power to punish crimes. The laws have given that power to the Criminal Investigation Department and the Police Department to investigate a crime or fraud. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has been given powers through acts. If there are not enough laws, more will be made. Parliament has that power.
On April 08th, we enacted legislation to confiscate property obtained through illegal means. We will create institutions in accordance with these laws. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption was located in a small office. Our Ministers are not given houses. A house was given to the Bribery Commission. In the past, Ministers resided in homes. Now there are people looking for Ministers. We have chosen to offer them a highly attractive salary. We will supply them with the required vehicles and amenities. That responsibility lies with the government. We have extended our assistance to the Criminal Investigation Department. The police and the Criminal Investigation Department employ investigative officers to support them in their legal affairs, and we are considering the recruitment of lawyers. Next, these institutions should carry out their investigations. Then, the facts should be reported to the Magistrate’s Court. A large amount of it has already been done. However, it is not enough. Then, the High Court should file an indictment and initiate a case based on those facts. That is the final step. After that, the court has the power to hear the case and impose punishment.
Investigations into recent murders have been concluded in certain cases. The Attorney General’s Department will soon issue indictments. Subsequently, the responsibility moves to the courts. Attorneys from the Attorney General’s Department and the Bribery Commission present their arguments in court. Attorneys present their defence. The court reaches a verdict. Recent rulings have been issued by the court.
In one court case, the judge stated that due to the economic collapse in our country in the past, the people and the nation faced great hardship. The cause of this was corruption, fraud and destruction. Therefore, a lenient punishment is not appropriate, the maximum penalty must be imposed. In another case, the judge inquired why the case was delayed by 10 years. The lawyers from the bribery commission responded that it was because they remained in power for the entire decade.
These instances indicate that every institution has begun to take a certain degree of responsibility seriously. Therefore, I believe we are fulfilling the duties expected of us by the citizens of this country.
Focusing on national unity, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, it is significant that the people in the Northern region have placed their trust in us. The defeated parties aim to revive old ethnic politics in Sri Lanka. I saw someone claiming that I was coming to Germany to meet a strong LTTE leader. We cannot allow a resurgence of such politics. If anyone tries to play politics based on racism again in Sri Lanka, even if the existing laws are not sufficient, new laws will be enacted and racism will not be allowed to rise again.
Why? Because our country has suffered immensely due to ethnic conflict. Nearly 30 years of war claimed many lives in the North and South. Bloodshed was so widespread it soaked the soil. Our nation regressed, It was not for any other reason, but because nationalism was used both to gain power and to hold on to it. Therefore, we must never permit a return to ethnic-based politics. We are working to protect and strengthen national unity.
What we want is one country and one Sri Lankan nation a nation that respects differences in language, religion and culture without division. The politics of division must end and we must build the Sri Lankan nation. This is a great and challenging task. Opponents, who once stood in enemy camps, are now uniting against this effort. In the recent local government elections, we won 267 local government bodies. Out of these, we secured 152, a number greater than the combined total of all others. However, even though we won 115 separately, when the scattered groups come together, they outnumber us. But those groups represent different political streams. If we consider political affiliations, the people of that region have chosen us.
However, although we were elected to 115 institutions, we don’t hold the majority in all of them. Take the Kuliyapitiya local council, for example we had around 21 members and the SLPP (Pohottuwa) had just 6. But who is the current chairman? Someone from Pohottuwa. Who helped them gain that position? The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the United National Party (UNP) and various independents all joined forces to support them. What are they doing with all this support? They are forming a camp against us.
I believe that for the first time in Sri Lanka, this intense political division is developing today. Many governments in history have faced such challenges. When progressive and good political work moves forward, the opposing hostile groups set aside their differences to unite. You may have seen a media discussion where Thissa Attanayake from SJB, the secretary from SLPP, and Thalatha from UNP gathered in one camp. But what have they shown us so far? They are two camps.
But why have they gathered now? Not for anything else, but to protect their past corruption, fraud and crimes. Whether they are in SLPP or SJB, it does not matter to us. If they have committed crimes or fraud, investigations have already been initiated. They know this. So, what should be done? We must set aside our rivalries and unite to counter this emerging trend. Otherwise, politically speaking, an alliance between Sajith Premadasa and Namal Rajapaksa would be damaging to Namal, to Sajith, and to both of them.
But they believe that remaining divided would be disadvantageous either way. So what do they do? They choose to unite against us. They disregard the long-term political harm this alliance may cause them. In the upcoming election, how can there be two presidential candidates? Because now, they have essentially formed a single political camp. They are well aware of this. Yet, in the short term — at this particular moment they believe uniting against the National People’s Power is necessary for their own political survival. This is a move driven purely by their personal need to remain politically relevant.
But remember this, no matter what they do, we will not allow any investigation against corrupt individuals or criminals to be undermined, as mandated by the people’s mandate given to the National People’s Power. Likewise, just as the people placed their trust in us and gave us their mandate, we are fully committed to fulfilling the expectations they have placed in us.
Therefore, for the first time in Sri Lanka, a new politics has emerged. Those present here have hopes for our country. What kind of country do we want? In the past, there was a difference between the expectations of the people and those of the rulers. The people had one set of aspirations, while the rulers had another. But I assure you, for the first time, a government has been formed where your aspirations and ours have become one and the same.
You want corruption to end. We want the same. You want criminals to be punished. We want the same. You want the supremacy of the rule of law. We want the same. You want a better economy for our country. We want the same. What does this mean? The people and the government are not separate, they are united in governance that is being established in Sri Lanka.
This is our opportunity to rebuild our country. I know you have worked tirelessly to create this opportunity. Your voice and dedication have been crucial without them it might not have been possible to establish a strong government. For that, you have carried a great responsibility.
Looking ahead, we have set several clear goals. We aim to make 2025 the year Sri Lanka welcomes the highest number of tourists in its history. We also intend to make it the year with the highest export income ever recorded. Furthermore, we will make 2025 the year in which a government earns the highest revenue in our country’s history. Moreover, we are determined to make this year the one in which the highest number of corrupt individuals in our country’s history are held accountable and brought to justice. We move forward with a sense of integrity and hope. I invite all of you to join hands, work together, and stand firm for this cause!
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijith Herath also addressed the gathering present on this occasion.
(-2025.06.10 – China-) A meeting between Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, and Liu Jie, Governor of Zhejiang Province, China, was held yesterday (09) at the Main People’s Assembly Hall of that province. This was while Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, and a group of people are currently […]
(-2025.06.10 – China-)
A meeting between Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, and Liu Jie, Governor of Zhejiang Province, China, was held yesterday (09) at the Main People’s Assembly Hall of that province.
This was while Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, and a group of people are currently on a visit to that country at the invitation of the Communist Party of China.
During the meeting, the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and China and between the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the Communist Party of China was discussed in particular.
The future contribution that China and Zhejiang Province can make to strengthen the economy of Sri Lanka was also discussed.
Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the JVP, emphasized that the National People’s Power Government, which has ended the corrupt regime in Sri Lanka and has been established under the leadership of the JVP, is moving forward with a plan to rapidly develop the country’s economy. The General Secretary mentioned that during that journey, he hopes to receive the support of China as well as the Zhejiang province, which is the same as the achievements made by the Chinese Communist Party during its journey to present-day China.
Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Deputy Minister Munir Mulaffar, Jaffna District Parliamentarian A.M. Jegadeswaran, Matale District Parliamentarian Deepthi Wasalage, Gampaha District Parliamentarian Dharmapriya Wijesinghe and a group were present, while Deputy Governor of Zhejiang Province Lu Shen, Director General of the South Asia Region of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Pan Xiu Bin and a group of representatives of the Communist Party of China in Zhejiang Province were also present.
(-2025.06.06 – Colombo-) The launch of the Cluster Health Information System (CHIS) began at the Thambuttegama Base Hospital. This marks a big step forward in digitizing our country’s healthcare system. CHIS is introduced under the Primary Healthcare Digitalization Project. This is a major change in how primary healthcare is delivered in Sri Lanka. The official […]
(-2025.06.06 – Colombo-)
The launch of the Cluster Health Information System (CHIS) began at the Thambuttegama Base Hospital. This marks a big step forward in digitizing our country’s healthcare system.
CHIS is introduced under the Primary Healthcare Digitalization Project. This is a major change in how primary healthcare is delivered in Sri Lanka. The official launch took place yesterday (05) at the Thambuttegama Base Hospital.
This system helps us manage resources better. It supports a more organized and complete care service. It also allows us to make quicker decisions based on real data.
CHIS connects hospitals and clinics around a main hospital that offers specialist care. Doctors and nurses in the network can access patient records, X-rays, lab results, prescriptions, and medical history in one place. This helps provide faster and more accurate treatment.
The system was developed with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Health System Enhancement Project (HSEP). ADB has also funded and supported the technical side of this new health information system.
Hospitals in Galnewa, Eppawala, Thalawa, Rajanganaya Yaya 5 and Yaya 7, Negampaha, Katiyawa, and the Medical Officers of Health offices in Galnewa, Thalawa, and Rajanganaya are now linked with the Thambuttegama Base Hospital through this system.
Our Ministry plans to expand this system to connect all government hospitals across the country in the coming phases. After launching the system, we also toured the Thambuttegama Base Hospital.
The event was joined by Deputy Director General (Medical Services) Dr. Arjuna Thilakaratne, Director (Health Information) Dr. Palitha Karunapema, Director (Primary Health) Dr. Sarathchandra Kumarawansa, Director of North Central Provincial Health Services Dr. Nelum Samaruthilaka, Director of Anuradhapura Regional Health Services Dr. Chandana Kedangamuwa, Head of Health Sector for Sri Lanka and Maldives, ADB, Dr. Kumari Navaratne, Senior Social Development Officer Herath Banda Jayasundara, Director of the Primary Health Services Digitalization Project Dr. Anil Dissanayake, other health staff, and members representing local councils.
(-2024.05.01 – Colombo-) Today is a day of glory for all working people around the world. With heartfelt respect, I join you in celebrating May 1st, International Workers’ Day. On behalf of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), I extend to you our sincere greetings, best regards […]
(-2024.05.01 – Colombo-)
Today is a day of glory for all working people around the world. With heartfelt respect, I join you in celebrating May 1st, International Workers’ Day. On behalf of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), I extend to you our sincere greetings, best regards and highest tributes.
Brothers and sisters, please take a moment to look at your hands. You will find the fragrance of tea leaves on the hands of our sisters in the tea factories, the stains of hard labour on the hands of our workers and the dust of chalk on the hands of our teachers. In China, the hands of workers and farmers carry the scent of rice.
Although China and Sri Lanka are distinct nations, the people of both countries share a common purpose. They nourish our families, strengthen our political parties, advance our nation, and shape our futures.
Sixty years ago, you played a crucial role in establishing the JVP, and throughout the years, your relentless efforts have fortified the organization, ultimately leading to the formation of the National Peoples’ Power. Eventually last September you won the Presidential election, a new milestone in the history of Sri Lanka.
At this moment your hands are building a new Sri Lanka. Over the past eight months under the leadership of President Disanayake and the support of all JVP and NPP members, your hands are bringing great change to this nation. In politics, you are creating a new culture of integrity, service, accountability and transparency. You have formed the smallest Cabinet in the history. The economic, industry and tourism sectors are reviving. The Clean Sri Lanka initiative and the Digital Sri Lanka plans are advancing. In society, prices are falling, jobs are increasing and lives are improving. People of all ethnic groups, faiths and religions live in harmony.
As a comrade, we rejoice in your achievements. We wish you even greater success. ‘Subha Pathum’
Comrades, this year marks the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. For 76 years the CPC has empowered the Chinese people to accomplish remarkable feats through our diligent efforts. China, the world’s second-largest economy, is steadily enhancing its strength and improving living standards each day. In particular, since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012 with the strong leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping with the Unity of the Chinese people we have lifted nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty, a miracle in human history.
China will keep its economic growth strategy and will remain a leading contributor to global growth and anchor of stability in this turbulent world. Right now under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, 1.4 billion Chinese people are marching forward in our own path to modernisation. We are confident that, with the efforts of the Chinese people, we will create a more promising future.
Comrades, Chinese achievements were made possible with support from Sri Lanka and all our neighbouring countries. We will never forget our brothers and sisters who stood with us through sunshine and storm. Sri Lanka is China’s good neighbour, trusted brother and reliable partner. For 68 years of our diplomatic ties, we have worked hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder showing the world how countries of different sizes can strive together. With the JVP leading in Sri Lanka, fresh initiatives are emerging to support your nation’s development. This creates new avenues for strengthening China-Sri Lanka relations.
Early this year President Disanayake had paid a successful state visit to China, and President Xi Jinping met with him. Together the two Presidents charted a shared vision for the future of our relations and our nations. On the new journey ahead, China will always stand together with Sri Lanka. Hand in hand we will respect and support each other and uphold mutually beneficial cooperation. Shoulder by shoulder we will build China Sri Lanka community with a shared future. Let’s join hands to bring more benefits to our countries and our people. Party-to-party relations are the backbone of the friendship. For decades the Communist Party of China and the JVP have worked side by side. My visit is to implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and President Disanayake. Through the exchange of CPC and the JVP, the two governing parties of China and Sri Lanka will make China-Sri Lanka relations even stronger. As comrades, we will stick to the principles of mutual respect, mutual support, mutually beneficial cooperation and mutual learning seeking common ground while reserving differences making our friendship deeper and blood relations stronger.
Comrades, please look around your sisters and brothers beside you. They are doctors, teachers, workers, drivers, farmers, and waiters. They have different jobs but everyone is smiling and everyone’s faces are shining with hope. These smiles represent the support for the JVP and NPP, represent the trust in President Disanayake and a good face in a brighter future. Over the three days of my visit here one thing has impressed me and my colleagues most, the smiles of Sri Lankan people. From taxi drivers to Hotel staff, from village farmers to market vendors, all smiled and gave thumbs up for the JVP and NPP and for your nation’s future. One taxi driver smiled and told me, ‘I have got a happy family, three kids, steady work and life is good I support the JVP, NPP and our President.’ I believe his voice is the people’s voice. We also met JVP leaders. They smiled as they recalled the stories of their friendship with the Communist Party of China, where they joined hands with the Communist Party of China to write a new chapter. We are all confident in the brighter future of the friendship between the CPC and JVP, NPP and between China and Sri Lanka.
In conclusion, I wish you a joyful International Workers’ Day. I Wish Sri Lanka a brighter future under the leadership of President Disanayake.
Long live China-Sri Lanka relations, long love CPC, JVP, and NPP friendship.
Thank you very much
(-2024.05.01 – Colombo-) My dear Comrades On the occasion of this May Day on behalf of the working class of India and the CPIM I extend revolutionary greetings to the working class and toiling masses of Sri Lanka and the masses world over. Comrades we remember with a pride and reverences the sacrifices of innumerable […]
(-2024.05.01 – Colombo-)
My dear Comrades
On the occasion of this May Day on behalf of the working class of India and the CPIM I extend revolutionary greetings to the working class and toiling masses of Sri Lanka and the masses world over. Comrades we remember with a pride and reverences the sacrifices of innumerable martyrs including the Haymarket heroes who fought violently for better world. I feel privilege to address this historic May Day Rally conducted by JVP, on behalf of the Communist Party of India Marxist, I extend warm revolutionary greetings and salute the leadership of JVP and NPP who triumph both the Presidential election and the Parliamentary Elections.
We remember in last May Day your leadership said that it was the last May Day under that dominant that ruling classes and the next May Day will be under the ruling of the NPP and you have proven that within six months. Comrades, the developments in Sri Lanka are in inspiration to the working class movement and the left world over and especially in the South-Asian countries.
We are celebrating this International Labour Day today when the neo liberal capitalism is ruling under the unforeseen crisis. It was unable to come out of this systematic crisis of capitalism even in the Citadel in the United States of America. Capitalism has failed to address the problems of the humanity and comrades our assessment made on the basis of the philosophy of sovereignty with Socialism and Marxism have been vindicated under the newly re-elected US President Donald Trump. The US imperialism is now taking annexationist and many aggressive measures leading causing miseries to the people world over including the trade world. It is continuing to it support to Israel and its occupation to Gaza and West Bank in Palestine. Attacks are continuing Yemen and Lebanon. The US through Israel intends to establish its regime over the entire West Asian region.
Comrades, on the occasion of this May Day we stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine and reiterate our commitment to the establishment of Palestine state with a Pre- 1967 Borders and the Jerusalem must the Capital. We denounce the imperialist intervention and the aggressions and stand for world peace. Working class and common people benefit from the peace while the corporates that control the military industrial complex benefit from war. We stand in solidarity with socialist Cuba and the Cuban people who are continuing to resist the more than six decades old economic blockage with the trump, they are facing renewed aggression and it is our duty as a part of the working class internationalism to stand with Cuba.
Comrades, we express our solidarity with all the socialist countries and these people and we express solidarity with all the people fighting imperialism and for their rights. As you are aware, India it is at present govern by one of the most new liberal pro imperialist communal BJP. It is carrying out attacks on the rights of the working class pensioners and the poor and the sections of the society. Democratic rights are curtailed. The federal character of our country is at such a state. The Indian government is on an undeclared Economic blockade against the left front government in Kerala which under the leadership of the CPIM is trying to implement pro people alternative within the limitations of the capitalist system in India.
Moreover, the ruling party and its parent organisations their history and etc. spreading communal venom targeting the minorities and the left. That is the reason why we characterised it and showing the neo-partial characteristics. Under its aggressive implementations of neo-liberal policies the attack is more targeting on the working class. The employment relations both in the organised and unorganised sectors are being continuously restructured to promote extreme fragility and precarious overall employment profile. The government has brought four labour courts in place of the labour laws doing away with all the rights of the working class including the eight hour working day, minimum wages and social security and most importantly the freedom of association and collective bargaining and the trade union rights. These are the rights earned through decades of sacrifices and struggles of peoples and the government is imposing the virtual survey on the working class. But we must say that in spite of these although the least labour courts are passed five years back the working class of our country was able to stall these implementations till now but that government now announced its intention to implement these laws ignoring the descent expressed by the majority of the trade union and the working class of the country. For this reason working class of India under the leadership of joint trade union platform led by the left trade unions including the centre of Indian Trade union has fall for a nationwide general strike on 20th of May this year.
This strike call is supported by the platform of farmer’s organisations and also receiving a good response from the general public. We are in the midst of the preparations of this general strike and is to make it the biggest ever strike in India and we promise you it will be the beginning of a new face of the working class led counter offensive against this corporate communal nexus. The communal farmers struggle in India. Which lasted more than a year forced the government to withdraw the anti- farmer’s government laws a landmark in the history of the anti-imperial struggle of our country. This struggle has not only inspired the toiling class and the people of our country but it has created an atmosphere, it reviewed the belief in the class unity and the workers present unity with the support of the Trade Unions and then it will be further carried forward by the this platform through this strike . Comrades, at this juncture we should assure you the working people, the working class of Sri Lanka that we will also be following your path in the fight against this imperialist led neoliberal policies and I must say that the left government in Kerala, because of this economic blockage by the government of India we were asked that the Kerala will go the Sri Lankan way when there was a crisis in Sri Lanka. Now we proudly tell to the people that, yes, Kerala will follow the Sri Lankan way not only Kerala, the entire India will be following the Sri Lankan way. Comrades, we are confident that the new government, under JVP and NPP will be living up to the people’s expectations and aspirations and I wish you the all the best and all the success in the Local Government elections as well. We should not be complacent , capitalism in crisis will go to any extent to crush any challenge against it and it is with extreme vigil against these class enemies and compromising to the working class ideology and the working class on the street defending their rights we can move ahead with this path full of challenges. On this occasion of this historic May Day, when you are writing history on this occasion upholding the internationalism we greet the workers and toiling people of Sri Lanka once again and all cadres and leaders of the JVP who made this rally a magnificent huge success in your struggle against the exploitation and oppression and the Indian working class with you always there with you Comrades. Long live May Day. Long live socialism, down with imperialism.
Thank you.
(-2024.05.01 – Colombo-) My dear Comrades, a red salute to you all. You all came here to celebrate the great May Day, the day of the working class all over the world. Remember those days when the workers of the world were oppressed and suppressed under the rule of the capitalists? They possessed no rights, […]
(-2024.05.01 – Colombo-)
My dear Comrades, a red salute to you all.
You all came here to celebrate the great May Day, the day of the working class all over the world. Remember those days when the workers of the world were oppressed and suppressed under the rule of the capitalists? They possessed no rights, endured unlimited working hours and were treated even worse than slaves during that period. It happened in Chicago. We can never forget that day when the workers united, struggled and shouted for eight hours of labour. That is our right. As human beings, we have that right.
But on that day, the capitalists very cruelly suppressed our comrades. How can we forget it? There were trials in the courts of the capitalists in Chicago, America. They were ready to die for the cause of workers. They told the court of the capitalists that a day would come when our silence would become more powerful than your thundering rules. That day has come in Sri Lanka. Our silences have become more powerful. Now, on May Day in Sri Lanka, we have come to celebrate the victory.
It was told here at the last May Day by Anura, our dear leader and the President. He, like a prophet, told us that next year, when we celebrate May Day, it would be a victorious May Day for the people and the workers of Sri Lanka. That day has come.
We remember Marx and Engels, who wrote The Communist Manifesto and in the last part, they declared: “Workers of the world unite. You have nothing to lose but your chains. You have a world to win.” That world will come. For that, we struggled, in country after country, continent after continent; we struggled for that dream, the dream of this victory. One after another, these victories have come true.
We remember those days when the fall of a set of unions happened. They were telling the imperialists, the capitalists, and all those forces were telling that the end of history had come. Workers had no future; the red flag had no future. They said this flag would disappear from the minds of the people because red had disappeared from the world. With that idea in mind, they thundered: “The end of history.” But what happened? History can never end like that. History has to continue, for the victory of the workers. Now, it has happened here.
They shouted in those days: “There is no alternative only one way,” and that way was the American way, the way of the capitalists. They told us there was no other alternative, and that we were wrong, comrades. But we were right, because we have proven that there is an alternative, there is a way out. And Sri Lanka, of late, has shown that way. That way is a promise of an alternative. And this government of the people of Sri Lanka, the JVP government, that government has shown a way for the people of Sri Lanka and for the working people all over the world.
You have shown that if we are united and ready to fight, we will win — and we can never be defeated. That is the importance of May Day in Sri Lanka.
That is why, comrades of India, we feel so proud and happy that we could witness this moment, the participation of comrades, women and men, with red flags in their hearts and hands, coming to celebrate the victory of the people’s struggles. We can celebrate this in the future also.
One more thing to be told here: they will not stay idle. As I was told here, the reaction of the opposition in Sri Lanka are saying that their day will come. They are saying that red must fail in Sri Lanka too. We tell them, this flag will not fail because this is the flag of the workers. This red flag is the flag of the working people and this colour red is the colour of the blood and sweat of those people. That flag, that colour, can never be defeated.
With this conclusion, we are here. They will try their best. Some will try their best. Some of them are threatening the whole world with tariff challenges and tariff burdens. They are saying they will control the world. How can they control the world when people all over the world, the working masses, the toiling people, when all of them have a dream for the future and are ready for a united struggle? It is sure that, whatever they may say, they will fail and we will win.
So, this victory of Sri Lanka, we can tell you, is not only a Sri Lankan story. This is the story of our comrades, the story of the present-day world, the story of the dreams of present-day men and women. And this is the story of the future and that future will come to this world.
Comrades, once again I salute you. I salute you.
Long live May Day!
Long live, long live!
Workers of the world, unite. Red salute!
