President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged firm action against those who violated highway regulations during the May Day rally, following concerns that a group of National People’s Power (NPP) supporters unlawfully stopped buses on the Southern Expressway en route to Labour Day Rally on 1 May.

In a televised interview with journalist Kalindu Karunarathne on Ada Derana 24, the President acknowledged that several buses carrying rally participants had stopped along the expressway, causing a disruption to traffic and raising public concern over a possible double standard in the enforcement of law.

“It’s wrong—whether it’s our supporters or not. There is a law in this country that applies to everyone,” President Dissanayake stated. He said he had personally inquired from party organisers and regional offices about the incident, tracing the buses back to districts such as Matara, Hambantota, Monaragala, Badulla, and Ampara.

The President explained that the designated parking areas near the rally grounds had reached capacity, which led other groups to stop in nearby locations to prepare for the event. However, he made it clear that logistical challenges did not justify the breach of expressway rules.

“If the police stood by and did nothing, then that too is wrong. There must be disciplinary action—against officers who failed to act, against drivers, and any groups that supported this,” he said.

Dissanayake emphasised that the NPP would not shy away from responsibility, noting that each bus was assigned a party organiser and that he had called for the full list of names involved.

“This should not have happened. I understand there was pressure and urgency, but that’s no excuse to violate public law,” he said, affirming that appropriate action would follow and the matter would be transparently addressed.

When asked whether these violations would be quietly ignored following the President’s public statement, he responded with one word: “Definitely not.”