MORATUWA, Sri Lanka – The violent attack on members of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka has sparked outrage amongst workers, youth, and academics, who have come forward to denounce the incident. Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando, both members of the SEP, were physically assaulted by individuals affiliated with the ruling Sri Lankan Podujana Peramuna at the University of Moratuwa on November 30. This attack has led to widespread condemnation and calls for justice within the local and international community.
Wasantha, a dedicated university non-academic worker, and Fernando, a full-time SEP party worker, were campaigning with other party members when they were violently attacked with long wooden clubs, resulting in serious injuries. Despite the assault, the case was initially referred to a mandatory Mediation Board, delaying the process of seeking justice. However, the support from workers, youth, academics, and various organizations around the world has led to protest letters being sent to relevant Sri Lankan authorities, demanding justice for the victims and action against the perpetrators.
The international support for Wasantha and Fernando has extended to workers rank-and-file committees in Australia and Sri Lanka, as well as a health worker in the UK. These groups have vehemently condemned the assault and demanded that the perpetrators be held accountable for their actions. The attack on the SEP members is seen as an infringement on the democratic rights of workers and an attempt to silence opposition to the government’s policies.
The campaign to defend the rights of the SEP members has also received backing from the Alton Plantation Workers Action Committee and the Northern Province Fishermen Action Committee in Sri Lanka. These groups have called for legal action against the attackers and emphasized the importance of protecting the democratic rights of political parties to engage in their activities freely, without fear of violence or suppression.
Furthermore, the solidarity for Wasantha and Fernando has even reached the international community, with a health worker in the UK expressing dismay at the attack and urging swift action against the assailants. This outpouring of support reflects the significance of protecting freedom of expression and the rights of political parties to engage in their activities without fear of violence or intimidation.
The global response to the attack on the SEP members highlights the importance of defending democratic rights and the need for justice to be served. The international community’s solidarity with the victims demonstrates a unified stance against attempts to suppress political activities through violence and intimidation. This widespread support is a powerful statement in defense of democratic principles and the freedom to engage in political work without fear of reprisal.