Moratuwa, Sri Lanka — The Moratuwa Magistrate Court resumed proceedings on Jan. 19 regarding a criminal case linked to an alleged assault on two members of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) near the University of Moratuwa. The case stems from a violent incident that occurred on Nov. 30, 2023, as the SEP members were distributing political literature in the area.
Prosecutors claim that Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando were attacked while promoting SEP events commemorating the centenary of Trotskyism. These flyers, aimed at challenging the politics of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) government and the trade union bureaucracy, sparked a politically charged atmosphere leading to the confrontation.
The accused, identified as Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardena, hold positions of leadership in the Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya, a union associated with the SLPP. Following their arrest one day after the incident, both were granted bail under strict conditions, including substantial sureties and regular check-ins with law enforcement.
Defense attorneys argued that the confrontation was an unintentional escalation stemming from a disagreement between university students and SEP members. They contended that the accused did not approach the situation with intent to cause harm.
However, Wasantha, the main witness and one of the injured parties, provided a contrasting account during his testimony in court. He stated that the attack was politically motivated and that the assailants were aware of his SEP affiliation. Wasantha highlighted the attackers’ prior interactions with him, suggesting that their actions were premeditated rather than spontaneous.
Wasantha also described how the confrontation escalated over a considerable distance, asserting that the accused pursued him and a fellow SEP member for about a kilometer in a three-wheeler before the assault. He testified that the attackers used wooden poles and targeted him and Fernando in a violent manner, sustaining significant injuries in the process.
Medical reports detailing their injuries have been filed as evidence in the case, while the defense continues to challenge the prosecution’s portrayal of the events. Wasantha elaborated on his injuries, indicating he suffered fractures while trying to shield himself from the blows aimed at his head, and described Fernando’s extensive injuries as well.
Following the assault, both men reported their injuries at the Moratuwa Police Station despite facing physical challenges in making the trip. The SEP has consistently framed this assault not as an isolated incident, but as part of a wider campaign aimed at stifling political opposition and defending the interests of affluent elites against a rising socialist movement.
The attack has received widespread condemnation from diverse sectors, including workers, students, and academics, who have expressed solidarity with the victims. In response, SEP members have issued letters to Sri Lankan authorities, including calls for accountability and thorough investigations into the incident.
Moreover, the university has faced criticism for its silence regarding the attack, and the SEP has highlighted the importance of safeguarding democratic rights, including the freedom to engage in political discourse free from violence. The ongoing legal proceedings are poised to address critical questions about political expression, safety on campus, and the judicial process in Sri Lanka.
As the court continues to evaluate evidence, the case serves as a crucial touchpoint for discussions about civil liberties and the potential ramifications for the broader political landscape in Sri Lanka. The SEP underscores that the battle for democratic rights extends beyond courtrooms and requires collective action from students and workers to combat the forces that seek to suppress free expression.