Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2018-03-27

Naming a different day for the May Day Commemoration activities falling within the 'Vesak Sathiya' of 2018

The Vesak Poya of 2018 has fallen on the 29th of April and the week succeeding the said date has been named as the 'Vesak Sathiya' and preparations have been made to conduct religious programmes Islandwide to commemorate the Three Noble Events associated with the Vesak Poya Day. Since 1st of May being the International Labour Day, also falls within the said 'Vesak Sathiya', a proposal has been made by the Most Venerable Chief Prelates of the Three Nikayas to make alternative arrangements to commemorate the May Day enabling the General Public to participate in the programmes scheduled for the 'Vesak Sathiya' without any obstructions.

Accordingly, a request is made to all Trade Unions and the Political Parties to make arrangements to hold their ceremonies and programmes pertaining to the May Day on the 7th of May. As such, the Cabinet decided to cancel the holiday which falls on the 1st of May and instead declare 7th of May as a holiday.