The United National Party (UNP) issued a special statement on April 20 denying social media posts — some using the party’s official symbols — that claimed the UNP is organising a May Day rally this year.
The party said the circulating posts are “completely false and do not represent its stance.” It noted that in 2026, May 1 (International Workers’ Day) coincides with Vesak Poya Day — the most sacred day in the Sinhala-Buddhist calendar — and that the UNP has therefore not decided to hold any May Day celebration, either independently or in collaboration with any other party or organisation.
The UNP said any official announcement regarding rallies, meetings or political events would be released exclusively through its verified Facebook page and official YouTube channel, and cautioned the public not to be misled by third-party posts using the party’s name and symbols.
The calendar clash poses an awkward choice for Sri Lanka’s major political parties, all of which traditionally mark May 1 with large rallies. Holding a competing Labour Day event on Vesak Poya risks both religious sensitivities and thin attendance, while cancellation means ceding one of the most visible mobilisation dates of the political year. The UNP’s statement is the first confirmed decision by a major party to forgo its May Day rally for this reason; announcements from the SLPP, NPP, SJB and SLFP on how they will handle the overlap are yet to be made public.
