Moratuwa, Sri Lanka — Court hearings resumed on January 19 regarding a criminal case stemming from an assault on two members of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) near the University of Moratuwa on November 30, 2023. This incident has sparked significant concern regarding political violence and the safety of activists in the region.
The assault reportedly occurred as SEP members Dehin Wasantha and Lakshman Fernando distributed flyers promoting public meetings commemorating the centenary of Trotskyism. These events featured remarks from Joseph Kishore, the National Secretary of SEP (US), and were aimed at challenging the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) government’s policies. According to prosecutors, the attack arose in a highly charged political atmosphere involving individuals linked to a trade union affiliated with the ruling party.
Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardena, the alleged assailants, are the president and secretary of the Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya, a trade union connected to the SLPP. Arrested shortly after the attack, both men were released on bail under conditions that require them to report regularly to law enforcement.
During the proceedings, the defense contended that the confrontation was an inadvertent dispute between university students and SEP members rather than a premeditated assault. This claim was countered by Wasantha, who testified about the prelude to the violent incident. He affirmed that the attackers were familiar with him and his political activities and that the assault was motivated by opposition to those views.
Wasantha recounted a harrowing experience, describing how he and Fernando were pursued over a considerable distance by their assailants. He stated that the chase, which involved a three-wheeled vehicle, lasted around a kilometer before he and Fernando were attacked. His account challenges the defense’s suggestion that the accused acted as neutral bystanders in a minor altercation.
The testimony detailed how wooden poles were used in the attack, targeting their upper bodies, particularly the head. In an attempt to shield himself and his fellow party member from the blows, Wasantha suffered fractures in two fingers. He also detailed Fernando’s injuries, which included multiple strikes resulting in damage to his face and neck. Medical records corroborating their injuries have been included in the prosecution’s evidence.
Following the attack, both Wasantha and Fernando managed to reach the Moratuwa Police Station to file a report, despite their physical injuries. The SEP maintains that this incident was not merely a random confrontation but a deliberate attempt to silence political opposition at the university and beyond.
Expressions of solidarity have poured in from various sectors, including workers, students, and academic circles, both locally and internationally. The SEP has urged Sri Lankan authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Numerous letters demanding accountability have been sent to key officials, including the vice-chancellor of the university.
Despite the growing outcry, the university administration has remained silent on the assault, even in light of Wasantha’s formal complaint. This lack of response, mirrored by trade unions at the university, raises concerns about their commitment to safeguarding democratic principles among students and staff.
The Moratuwa Magistrate Court is currently evaluating the evidence presented, with further hearings expected. The SEP has articulated that while it seeks justice through legal channels, a more comprehensive mobilization for democratic rights among workers and students is essential for long-term change. The case has ignited broader discussions about political freedoms and the right to engage in activism without fear of violence in Sri Lanka’s current political climate.