COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has received letters from individuals and organizations worldwide condemning a violent attack on two party members in Sri Lanka by pro-government thugs. Dehin Wasantha, a veteran university worker and advocate for workers’ rights and socialism, and Lakshman Fernando, a full-time SEP party worker, were assaulted at the University of Moratuwa on November 30.
The attack, carried out by leaders of the Moratuwa university branch of Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya (PPSS), resulted in serious injuries to Wasantha and Fernando. Wasantha suffered two fractured fingers and took a month-long medical leave, while Fernando sustained bruises and a neck injury. The attackers, Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardena, are affiliated with the ruling Sri Lankan Podujana Peramuna party.
Wasantha has urged the university non-academic employees union to condemn the assault, calling it an attack not only on his democratic rights, but on the working class as a whole. The Migrant Workers’ Action Committee, in a letter to the Sri Lankan attorney general, strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for legal action against the perpetrators.
The incident is set to be heard in court on January 8, but the university administration has not yet launched an inquiry. Supporters have also sent letters to the vice chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, expressing opposition to the attack.
In addition to the letters of condemnation, the SEP is calling on concerned individuals to send protest letters to relevant authorities and copy the SEP on the correspondence.
The attack on the SEP members is not just an isolated incident, but a reflection of the broader struggle for democratic rights and the need for independent political movements in Sri Lanka and beyond. The letters of support and condemnation underscore the importance of defending freedom of expression and the right to hold political views without fear of violent reprisal. The incident at the University of Moratuwa is a reminder of the ongoing challenges to democracy and workers’ rights in the country.