From the fishing villages of Mannar to the streets of Jaffna, May Day 2025 was marked by a series of powerful demonstrations, where thousands rallied to honour workers’ struggles and to demand justice, equality, and an end to systemic repression.
Vankalai: A day of unity, sport, and reflection
In the coastal village of Vankalai, Mannar, May Day began with a vibrant celebration of community resilience. Organised by the Vankalai Fishermen’s Association, the Fishermen’s Cooperative, and the Vankalai Sports Club, the day opened with a special Mass at the Surupathadi fishing harbour. The spiritual observance was followed by a series of events including boat races, swimming competitions, musical chairs, and tug-of-war contests.
Villagers, many of whom have endured economic hardships and territorial encroachments by Indian trawlers, used the day to reflect on past struggles while expressing hope for stronger protections for local fishing communities.
In nearby Pesalai, a special sea blessing was held at St. Joseph’s Chapel to mark the day.
Mannar: Protest march against land grabs and environmental injustice
In the afternoon, the People’s Planning Union led a mass protest in Mannar under the banner “Let Us Build the Power of Agriculture.” Drawing in thousands from across the island, protestors marched from the local sports ground to Mannar Bazaar, voicing their outrage over environmental destruction, land grabs, and the ongoing marginalisation of Tamils.
Placards demanded the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), justice for the disappeared, an end to Indian trawler incursions, and a halt to exploitative wind power projects in the region.
Farmers, fisherfolk, and labourers joined forces to reject so-called development projects they claim are plundering local resources under the guise of progress.
The rally culminated in a public meeting featuring voices from across the country, including Nadaraja Devakrishnan of the Northern Province People’s Planning Union, Sudesh Kamake of the Valvai Farmers’ Rights Protection Organisation, N.M. Aalam of the Mannar District Fishermen’s Associations, K. Rusikk of the Eastern Province People’s Planning Union, Vimukthi Silva of La Via Campesina, and Sudhara Vanni Lathuge of the Indigenous People’s Forum.
Together, they called for solidarity among oppressed communities across the island, from Vanni farmers to Hill Country labourers, in building a united front for justice and sustainability.
Jaffna: Trade unions demand justice and Tamil rights
In Jaffna, a large May Day rally led by Joseph Stalin, General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union, saw participation from trade unions, student groups, and civil society organisations. The rally began outside the central bus stand and concluded in front of the Jaffna Public Library, with speeches delivered by union leaders and activists.
Participants carried placards demanding solutions to teacher salary anomalies, justice for the forcibly disappeared, the demilitarisation of Tamil lands, and the release of political prisoners. Calls for Tamil self-determination and the repeal of the draconian PTA were prominent throughout the event.
Organisations including the University of Jaffna Employees’ Union, the Association for the Welfare of Former Fighters, the Valikamam Land Rights Organisation, the Association for the Disappeared, and the Vadamarachchi Media Centre marched under the leadership of the teachers’ union.
