Tight security, traffic plans in place for nationwide May Day events

Colombo, May 1 (Daily Mirror) - Police have deployed thousands of officers, including Special Task Force personnel and intelligence units, across the country for security and traffic management during today’s May Day rallies and parades.

Major rallies are expected not only in Colombo but also in key cities such as Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Kandy, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Galle, Matara and Kalutara.

Police said the measures are aimed at ensuring peaceful commemorations, maintaining public safety, and minimising disruption to traffic as political parties and trade unions stage large-scale events nationwide.

Police stations island-wide have been instructed to enforce traffic control, ensure road safety, and manage crowds effectively. The initiative is part of a broader effort to maintain public order while accommodating the large gatherings expected during the celebrations.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has also issued specific directives to Senior Deputy Inspector Generals (SDIGs) overseeing different provinces, emphasising coordinated efforts to facilitate smooth operations during the events.

The National People’s Power May Day rally is scheduled to be held at the public car park in front of the National Youth Services Council in Maharagama. Traffic congestion is expected within the Maharagama Police Division, and motorists have been advised to use alternative routes.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya will hold its May Day rally at the P. D. Sirisena playground in Maligawatte. Bus parking will be restricted to Jayantha Weerasekera Mawatha, Panchikawatte Road, Orabi Pasha Mawatha, Sangharaja Mawatha, Sumanatissa Mawatha, George R. De Silva Mawatha, Bloemendhal Street, Sirimavo Bandaranaike Mawatha, and Baseline Road from Bandaranaike Junction to Dharmarama Road, as well as Saddharma Mawatha and Aluth Mawatha.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party is scheduled to hold its rally at Campbell Park in Borella. Bus parking will be along Baseline Road from Dematagoda Junction to General Cemetery Junction, J. D. Perera Mawatha, Siridhamma Mawatha, Maradana Road, Ward Place and Alvitigala Mawatha, while light vehicles may park on Leopold Place and Campbell Park Road.

The Frontline Socialist Party will hold a rally at Hyde Park Grounds, followed by a procession via Maradana Road, Dean’s Road, Lipton Circus, Union Place and Ibbanwala Junction, before returning to Hyde Park.

A joint May Day rally organised by the Ceylon Bank Employees’ Union and the Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees’ Union will be held at the E. A. Gunasinghe Grounds in Kompanna Veediya. The procession will begin near the Lake House premises and proceed via Olcott Mawatha and Gunasinghapura Junction.

The Communist Party of Sri Lanka and the Socialist People’s Front will hold a joint rally along Borella, Cotta Road and N. M. Perera Mawatha. The procession will start from Ayurveda Junction and proceed via Castle Street, Model Farm Junction, D. S. Junction and Borella Junction. Bus parking will be permitted along Cotta Road from the railway crossing to Ayurveda Junction.