MORATUWA, Sri Lanka – The violent attack on members of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka has sparked condemnation from workers, youth, and academics. Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando were physically assaulted at the University of Moratuwa on November 30 by the president and secretary of the Moratuwa university branch of Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya (PPSS), which is affiliated with the ruling Sri Lankan Podujana Peramuna. The assault occurred while they were campaigning for an SEP public meeting on the Centenary of Trotskyism.
Wasantha, a university non-academic worker for over two decades, is known for his principled struggle for workers’ rights and socialism, while Fernando is a full-time SEP party worker. They were violently attacked with long wooden clubs, causing serious injuries. As a result, Wasantha suffered two fractured fingers and had to take almost one month’s medical leave to recover.
The violent attack was brought before a judge at Magistrate Court in Moratuwa on January 8, and the magistrate ordered the case to be referred to a mandatory Mediation Board. Despite Perera and Piyawardena being absent when the case was brought before the Mediation Board on January 20, they were present at the board’s hearing on February 3 and opted for a settlement. However, Wasantha was not ready for a settlement and the board directed both parties to be present at the courts on May 20.
In response to the attack, workers, youth, academics, and their organizations from around the world have sent protest letters to relevant Sri Lankan authorities condemning the assault and demanding maximum legal action against the perpetrators. Among them, the Health Workers Rank-and-File Committee (Australia), the Alton Plantation Workers Action Committee in Sri Lanka, the Northern Province Fishermen Action Committee in Sri Lanka, and a health worker in the UK have all expressed their condemnation of the attack and their support for the victims.
The attack on members of the Socialist Equality Party in Sri Lanka has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic rights and freedom of expression under the current government. The outpouring of support from various organizations across the globe highlights the widespread condemnation of the attack and the demand for justice.
This incident has underscored the challenges faced by political activists and organizations in Sri Lanka and the growing need to uphold democratic rights, freedom of expression, and the right to engage in political activities without fear of violence or reprisal. The solidarity shown by workers, youth, and academics serves as a powerful statement against the suppression of dissent and the violation of democratic rights.