Lankan PM for 'collective responsibility' to safeguard workers' rights

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that the labour unions must give priority to safeguard the rights of the workers instead of focusing on political agendas.

In a message to mark the May Day, the Prime Minister said such a farsighted vision would not only empower the workers, but also serve the best interests of the country.

"As a nation, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that their commitment is valued and appreciated, their welfare is assured and that the proper environment is shaped to enhance their contribution to society," Lanka Page quoted Wickremesinghe as saying.

He added the government is willing to set the stage for such a progressive move with optimism and sincerity.

The Prime Minister wished the laborers a renewed sense of hope not just to overcome the challenges at their work places but also to overcome the challenges which they face in life every day.