Issuing a message to mark the International Labour Day, the President said he would make this opportunity to pay his respect to working masses for their boundless sacrifices in the face of challenges caused by COVID-19 outbreak.

“Many were the challenges we faced and overcame throughout history. In each such instance, working class in the country is the segment that was directly affected at the forefront. History has proven their resilience and commitment which, indeed is a great credit to the working class,” he said.

President Rajapaksa said despite difficult circumstances, the Government did not disrupt the daily life of the working people.

“We not allow any room for such a situation to occur. Similarly, we will take steps to secure daily livelihood of the workforce by ensuring the functioning of the production and service sectors while mitigating the effects of the epidemic,” he said in his message.