Colombo: The working people of Sri Lanka commemorate this year’s May Day at a crucial juncture, as the country secures significant economic achievements despite a challenging global climate shaped by conflict. Even amidst major challenges such as United States tariffs, Cyclone Ditwah, and the conflict in the Middle East, Sri Lanka has safeguarded the security of its overseas workers by maintaining its longstanding humane and non-aligned foreign policy.
According to News.LK, effective responses to natural disasters have led to notable economic progress in 2025. These accomplishments include the lowest budget deficit since 1977 and the highest government revenue since 2007. Export earnings from goods and services exceeded USD 17 billion, marking the only year to surpass revenue targets while also recording the highest foreign remittances in the country’s history. The President expressed sincere gratitude to the working people whose contributions made these achievements possible.
Policies to uplift working people have been implemented, recognizing the true value of labor. These measures include increasing public sector basic salaries, raising private sector minimum wages, and granting pension rights to public servants recruited after 1 January 2016. Wages for plantation workers have been increased to Rs. 1,750, and legal provisions relating to women’s nighttime employment have been amended. Additionally, the Mahapola scholarship has been increased by Rs. 10,000 to support the education of workers’ children. Benefits have also been extended to various societal groups, including farmers, fishers, youth, women, students, producers, small-scale entrepreneurs, and plantation communities.
The recent Cyclone Ditwah severely affected the working population. In response, the highest disaster compensation in Sri Lanka’s history was provided, along with relief for farmers, fishers, and small and medium-scale industries. Through the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ programme, efforts are underway to expedite housing construction and restore livelihoods, raising living standards beyond previous levels.
The primary objective is to safeguard the rights of the working people and create a more stable economy and a brighter future for children. Modernizing human society, the economy, and production systems to align with evolving productive forces and the changing environment is deemed essential. Key initiatives include proposed education reforms, the digital economy programme, the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, and the ‘Prajashakthi’ programme.
As Sri Lanka strives to recover lost development and build ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life’, confidence is placed in the working people as the driving force of this journey. With that conviction, the nation continues to work while learning and learn while working, towards steady progress. The President warmly invites all working people to join this collective effort with commitment and integrity in building a better nation and extends best wishes for a meaningful May Day.