Addressing a press conference held at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Headquarters in this regard, Minister Gamini Lokuge said that the May Day procession will commence from near the Nelum Pokuna Theatre and the theme of this year's May Day Rally is “Protecting Freedom and the Motherland.”.

Minister Lokuge said that the government of the United People’s Freedom Alliance  had always protected the rights of workers and have granted facilities yo the maximum to the public workers.

The Minister pointed out that the President before drafting the Budget has always obtained the views and opinions of the Trade Unions - Government as well as the opposition.  He further added that the government never took steps to cut down salaries of the public servants, fertilizer subsidy nor the Samurdhi.

Decisions were taken mainly for the welfare of the working class. The Government maintains close relations with the working class as well as the public service and take decisions mainly considering the welfare of the working class the Minister further emphasised.

It is expected that around 600,00 would come to Colombo to join the UPFA May Day Rally.

Labour leaders gave a pledge to work in collaboration with the President and to give their fullest support to steer the country towards achieving "Wonder of Asia".