MORATUWA, Sri Lanka – Two members of the Sri Lankan Socialist Equality Party (SEP) were assaulted last year, and their assailants recently appeared in court to face legal proceedings. Dehin Wasantha, an employee at Moratuwa University, and Lakshman Fernando, a full-time SEP worker, were attacked by two individuals on November 30. The accused, identified as Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardena, are president and secretary, respectively, of the People’s Progressive Employees Union branch at Moratuwa University. The assault took place while the SEP members were campaigning at the rear gate of the university for public meetings to be addressed by SEP (US) national secretary Joseph Kishore.
Wasantha suffered severe injuries to his left hand, including fractures, while Fernando sustained a neck injury along with bruises and scratches to his body. Perera and Piyawardena were taken into custody the day after the attack. Although they were granted bail, the police continue their investigation and have requested additional time to obtain relevant medical reports from the hospitals where the victims were treated.
The case was presented before a judge at the Moratuwa Magistrate Court on January 8. The police outlined the complaint made by Dehin Wasantha and the progress of their investigation. The attorney for the SEP emphasized the seriousness of the attack and the impact of Wasantha’s injuries on his ability to work.
The case has been referred to a mandatory Mediation Board and is set to be recalled to court on May 20. The SEP and its sister parties in the International Committee of the Fourth International have launched a campaign in defense of Fernando and Wasantha, calling for maximum legal actions against the accused. Supporters from around the world have sent protest letters to the Sri Lankan attorney general and the vice chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, demanding justice for the victims and the democratic right of the SEP to conduct political activities.
The attackers are accused of attempting to silence and intimidate workers and young people who oppose austerity, social inequality, and war. The SEP in the US and the International Committee of the Fourth International have rallied against this act of political repression and have called for immediate prosecution of the assailants.
The violent attack on the SEP members has sparked outrage and condemnation from workers, activists, and academics globally. Protest letters have been sent to relevant authorities, demanding justice and upholding the right to engage in political activities.
The case will continue to unfold as the investigation progresses, and the global campaign for justice will persist in defense of the victims and the democratic rights of the SEP.