The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka will hold a public meeting in Colombo on May 1, as part of its campaign for the International Online May Day Rally organised by the World Socialist Web Site and the International Committee of the Forth International (ICFI) on Sunday, May 4.

The significance of this International Online May Day Rally is underscored by the developing crisis of global capitalism. Once again, humanity confronts the danger of world war, 100 years after the eruption of World War I and 75 years since the beginning of World War II.

Utilising fascistic forces in Ukraine, the US and Germany backed a right-wing putsch in Kiev and are provoking a confrontation with Russia. If a war between Washington and Moscow erupts as a result, it would mark the first direct conflict between nuclear-armed powers, posing enormous dangers for the international working class. At the same time, the US is diplomatically and militarily encircling China as part of its provocative “pivot to Asia” that is increasing tensions throughout the Indo-Pacific region and also threatens a wider war.

Following the 2008 global financial crisis, the bourgeoisie in every country is implementing drastic pro-business austerity measures against working people, producing social inequality of unprecedented levels.

The capitalist crisis is sharply expressed in Sri Lanka. The US has hypocritically sponsored a resolution in the UN’s human rights body, calling for a probe into human rights abuses in Sri Lanka. Its real purpose is to pressure the Colombo government to distance itself from Beijing. Every country in the Asia-Pacific is being targeted by US imperialism as part of its aggressive drive to maintain its regional and global dominance.

The SEP in Sri Lanka will use the upcoming meeting in Colombo to explain the historic significance of the International Online May Day Rally. We urge workers and youth to attend the meeting and enrol for the rally.

Date and Time: Thursday, May 1, 3.00 p.m.

Venue: New Town Hall, Green Path, Colombo 7.