The National People's Power Party is committed to giving due value to the sweat and sacrifices of the proletariat that built the world, and to implementing workers' welfare in practice, not just in words, says National Executive Committee Member of the National People's Power Party and Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar.
Issuing a special message on the occasion of this year's World Workers' Day, the Minister emphasized that the government has already taken several formal steps to bring about a real change in the lives of the oppressed people.
The Minister pointed out that the upcountry estate worker community, a major strength of Sri Lanka's economy, had been neglected for decades, and the historic salary increase provided to them was an initial step towards doing justice to them.
He also stated that the current government has listened to the voices of the estate people who have been oppressed for generations, and that improving their living standards is a fundamental commitment of the government.
The government has paid special attention to ensuring the safety of foreign workers, who are the main group that brings foreign exchange to the country, and the future of their families. Also, the Minister reminded in his message that many new plans are already being implemented to improve the livelihood, job security and social welfare of the fishing community, which has not received due attention so far.
This time, the National People's Power has taken steps to make May Day a platform to raise the voices of the oppressed people, rather than limiting it to a mere festival. Accordingly, May Day meetings have been organized at 21 locations across the island, and the Minister also said that the meetings being held in Jaffna and the Wanni region hold historical significance.
Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekhar says that it is ironic that those who suppressed the people who fought for workers' rights in the past with bullets, batons and tear gas are talking about workers' welfare today. He also emphasized that the public should be aware of the efforts of those who acted as oppressors then to present themselves as false saviors today.
The Minister, who calls for unity for the true liberation of the working people, regardless of all political differences, extends his best wishes to the entire proletariat, saying, "May the hands of the working people be strong! May workers' rights prevail."
