Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, in his May Day message, urged Sri Lanka’s working people to transcend a “mindset rooted in isolated poverty” and embrace their role in shaping global economic stability, warning that the current government has abandoned the promises it made to workers.

Premadasa said that the working class, long recognised as the backbone of the national economy, must be viewed through a new lens in light of shifting global trends and emerging trade wars that have left many workers vulnerable both locally and internationally.

“In light of current global economic trends, it is essential to reassess the rights and responsibilities of the working class from a new perspective,” he said, emphasising the role of trade unions in educating and mobilising workers to meet these challenges.

Highlighting the adverse effects of international trade wars on Sri Lankan labour, Premadasa called for collective action and a global outlook. “We must break free from a mindset rooted in isolated poverty and strive to contribute meaningfully to global economic stability,” he said.

Taking aim at the current government, which he referred to as the “Renaissance government,” the Opposition Leader accused the administration of betraying the working class. “The government, which rose to power by leveraging the support of working people through traditional politics, has now abandoned the very promises and policies it made to them,” he charged.