Socialist Equality Party Members Brutally Attacked in Sri Lanka by Pro-Government Thugs, Igniting Outrage from Global Solidarity

MORATUWA, SRI LANKA – The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has received widespread support from workers, youths, and various organizations worldwide following a brutal attack on two members of the party in Sri Lanka. Dehin Wasantha, a veteran university worker and advocate for workers’ rights, and Lakshman Fernando, a full-time SEP party worker, were assaulted by pro-government thugs at the University of Moratuwa.

Numerous letters have been sent to the Sri Lankan attorney general and the vice chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, demanding maximum legal action against those responsible for the attack. The assailants, identified as the president and secretary of the Moratuwa university branch of Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya (PPSS), a trade union affiliated with the ruling Sri Lankan Podujana Peramuna party, physically assaulted Fernando and Wasantha with long wooden clubs, resulting in serious injuries.

Both victims were left with injuries, including fractured fingers, bruises, and neck injuries, due to the violent attack. The incident occurred while the two SEP members were campaigning for public meetings to be addressed by Joseph Kishore, national secretary of the SEP (US), near the university.

In response, members of the Migrant Workers’ Action Committee strongly condemned the attack and urged legal action against the perpetrators. Similarly, support also came from Mano Fernando, a writer who expressed outrage at the assault, and Hemal Pradeep Kumar, a teacher, who called for justice and defended the right of individuals to hold political views of their choice.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice. The SEP is urging those concerned about defending freedom of expression to send protest letters to relevant authorities, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic rights and condemn such violent attacks.

The Moratuwa Magistrate Court is scheduled to hear the case against the assailants, while the university administration has yet to initiate an inquiry. The outcry over the attack continues to grow, with individuals and organizations expressing solidarity and calling for accountability.