Colombo, Sri Lanka – In a recent development, the Moratuwa Magistrate Court in Sri Lanka has taken up the case involving a violent assault on members of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) that occurred last year. The victims, Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando, were reportedly attacked by members of the Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya union, affiliated with the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party.
Wasantha, a dedicated SEP member and non-academic worker at the University of Moratuwa, suffered serious injuries, including fractured fingers, in the attack. Fernando, also a long-standing SEP member, sustained injuries to his back and neck during the incident. The assault took place while the SEP members were distributing leaflets for upcoming public meetings.
The accused perpetrators, Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardena, were taken into custody following an official complaint to the police by Wasantha. They were later released on strict bail conditions, including significant personal sureties and regular reporting to the police. Despite efforts to resolve the case through a Mediation Board, which Wasantha and Fernando declined, the case has been postponed until September for further proceedings.
The SEP, along with its international affiliates, has launched a campaign to defend the rights of Wasantha and Fernando and to uphold the party’s right to carry out its political activities. The assault on the SEP members is seen as an attempt to silence their voices and intimidate them from advocating for workers’ rights and a socialist agenda.
Wasantha’s advocacy for workers’ interests at university meetings has repeatedly put him at odds with union leadership, who have attempted to censor his views and prevent him from speaking. The ongoing strike by thousands of non-academic university workers in Sri Lanka reflects growing discontent with government policies and austerity measures.
The struggle for workers’ rights and democratic freedoms in Sri Lanka remains a pressing issue, with unions facing challenges from within and outside for advocating on behalf of their members. The need for solidarity and collective action to protect workers’ rights is crucial in the face of mounting opposition and threats to dissenting voices like Wasantha and Fernando.
As the legal proceedings continue, the SEP and its supporters remain steadfast in their fight for justice and the fundamental rights of workers in Sri Lanka. The outcome of this case will have broader implications for the protection of democratic values and the right to engage in political activism without fear of reprisal.