Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will conduct its May Day rally in Gampaha, under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena, SLFP Senior Vice Chairman Nimal Siripala de Silva said. 

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, de Silva said the party would show its strength at its May Day rally that will take place the Municipal Council Ground in Miriswatte, Gampaha. 

The Senior Vice Chairman of the party expressed confidence that a large number of party supporters, including those who contested under the party ticket at the last Local Government election, would attend the May Day rally. 

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa has announced that his camp will conduct their May Day rally at Campbell Park, Borella. 

This development comes in the wake of reports that tensions are high between the SLPP and the SLFP over the latter's decision to abstain from the second reading vote on the budget. 

The SLPP has exerted severe pressure on the SLFP to vote against the budget at the third reading vote on April 05. 

The Rajapaksa group has already indicated to the SLFP that the success of the ongoing discussions between the two parties to form a common alliance will hinge on the SLFP's decision at the third reading vote on the budget. 

The third round of discussions between the two parties to form an alliance targeting the next national election is scheduled on April 10.