MORATUWA, Sri Lanka – The legal case involving the violent assault on members of the Sri Lankan Socialist Equality Party (SEP) last year was brought before a judge at the Moratuwa Magistrate Court on January 8. Dehin Wasantha, a well-known figure at Moratuwa University, and Lakshman Fernando, a full-time SEP worker, were the victims of the attack, which allegedly involved Indika Perera and Suranga Piyawardena, president and secretary, respectively, of the Podujana Pragathishili Sevaka Sangamaya (PPSS) or People’s Progressive Employees Union branch at Moratuwa University.
The assault occurred on November 30, when a team from SEP, including Wasantha and Fernando, was campaigning at the rear gate of the Moratuwa University. The accused reportedly ordered the campaigners to leave, and upon their return, they attacked the campaigners, resulting in severe injuries to Wasantha and Fernando.
Perera and Piyawardena were taken into custody and brought before the court, where an initial inquiry resulted in bail being granted to the accused. The police outlined the progress of their investigation into the assault on January 8, requesting additional time to obtain relevant medical reports from the hospitals where the victims were treated.
The case was referred to a Mediation Board and will be recalled to court on May 20.
The SEP and its sister parties in the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) have launched a campaign to defend Fernando and Wasantha, as well as the party’s right to engage in political activities.
The attack on the SEP members has prompted international outrage, with individuals from the US and around the world sending protest letters to the Sri Lankan attorney general and the vice chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, demanding strict legal action against the accused.
The case is ongoing and will continue to be monitored for further developments.