MORATUWA, Sri Lanka – The case regarding the violent assault on Sri Lankan Socialist Equality Party (SEP) members Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando was presented to a judge at the Moratuwa Magistrate Court on January 8. Wasantha, a prominent figure at Moratuwa University, is known for his unwavering commitment to the working class and socialist policies, while Fernando is a fulltime worker for the SEP.
Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardena, president and secretary of the Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya (PPSS) at Moratuwa University, appeared at the Moratuwa Magistrate Court as the accused. Both are currently on bail.
The assault occurred on November 30, when a SEP team, including Wasantha and Fernando, was campaigning at the rear gate of the Moratuwa University. The accused, Perera and Piyawardena, allegedly ordered the SEP campaigners to leave and later returned to violently attack them with long wooden clubs. Wasantha suffered a grievous injury to his left hand, while Fernando sustained a neck injury with bruises and scratches to the back of his body.
The police presented the complaint made by SEP member Dehin Wasantha and updated the magistrate on their investigation. The authorities have visited the crime scene, recorded statements from witnesses, and requested more time to obtain and produce relevant medical reports from the hospitals where the victims were treated.
The attorney appearing for the SEP underscored the severity of the attack, highlighting the injuries sustained by Wasantha, including fractures to two fingers of his left hand. The lawyer also mentioned that Wasantha was unable to work for about one month due to the fractures.
The magistrate concluded the hearing and referred the case to a mandatory Mediation Board, scheduling the next court appearance for May 20. The SEP and its sister parties in the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) have launched a campaign in defense of Fernando and Wasantha, advocating for their democratic right to conduct political campaigns.
In response to the incident, international workers, young people, academics, and their organizations have sent protest letters to the Sri Lankan attorney general and the vice chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, demanding maximum legal actions against the accused.
The SEP is also calling on defenders of democratic rights and freedom of expression to register their opposition by sending protest letters to the relevant authorities.