Moratuwa, Sri Lanka – Members of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) were violently attacked by pro-government thugs at the University of Moratuwa on November 30, sparking widespread condemnation from workers, youth, academics, and their organizations. The victims, Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando, were brutally assaulted by the president and secretary of the Moratuwa university branch of Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya (PPSS), affiliated with the ruling Sri Lankan Podujana Peramuna.
Wasantha, a university non-academic worker known for his principled struggle for workers’ rights and socialism, suffered two fractured fingers in the attack, while Fernando, a full-time SEP party worker, sustained bruising and a neck injury. The assault occurred as they were campaigning for SEP public meetings on the Centenary of Trotskyism.
A magistrate ordered the case to be referred to a mandatory Mediation Board, and the case is set to be recalled in court on May 20. Despite efforts to reach a settlement, Wasantha stated that he was not ready for such an agreement. The SEP and its sister parties of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) have launched a campaign in defense of the victims and their democratic rights and have received support from workers, youth, and academics worldwide in the form of protest letters.
The Health Workers Rank-and-File Committee (Australia) passed a resolution opposing the attack and urging legal action against the perpetrators. Additionally, the Alton Plantation Workers Action Committee in Sri Lanka and the Northern Province Fishermen Action Committee condemned the assault and called for the protection of democratic rights for all political parties.
Furthermore, a health worker in the UK expressed concern over the attack and urged authorities to take action against the assailants. The SEP is continuing its efforts to defend democratic rights and is encouraging others to voice their opposition by sending protest letters to relevant authorities.