COLOMBO, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday said the government would hold May Day celebrations on May 7 this year instead of May 1 due to the Vesak Festival.

Speaking at an event in the capital Colombo, Sirisena said the cabinet had approved to move the May Day celebrations following a request made by the Buddhist clergy.

He said this year's Vesak would be celebrated on April 30 and May 1 and due to this all May Day rallies and events would be celebrated later in the week.

Vesak is a holiday traditionally celebrated by Buddhists in various countries.