Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka)
Free Julian Assange rallies called in Sri Lanka and India
7 June 2018
The SEP and supporters of the ICFI will demonstrate in Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital, and Sriperumbudur, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Sri Lankan workers and students defend Julian Assange
By our correspondents, 7 June 2018
Many of those who spoke to the WSWS compared the attacks on WikiLeaks to the Sri Lankan government’s measures against journalists.
Sri Lanka SEP files fundamental rights case against Colombo Municipal Council
By our correspondent, 6 June 2018
The legal action against the May Day meeting ban seeks to further expose the government’s anti-democratic attacks on working people.
The Maruti Suzuki workers and the re-emergence of class struggle across South Asia
By Wije Dias, 7 May 2018
Wije Dias, general secretary of the Sri Lankan section of the ICFI, and a veteran Trotskyist of more than 50 years standing, spoke from Colombo to the ICFI’s International Online May Day Rally.
Despite government ban, Sri Lankan SEP and IYSSE hold successful May Day meeting
By our correspondents, 3 May 2018
Workers, youths, professionals and housewives, as well as Tamil-speaking residents from Jaffna and plantation workers from the central hills, attended the meeting.
SEP and IYSSE demonstrate against Sri Lankan government’s May Day ban
By our correspondents, 30 April 2018
Almost one hundred SEP and IYSSE members and supporters participated in Friday’s picket, denouncing the government ban and other anti-democratic attacks.
Workers and youth denounce Sri Lankan May Day ban
By our correspondents, 27 April 2018
SEP and IYSSE members are winning important support for their campaign against the government’s prohibition on celebrations of the international workers’ day.
Oppose the Sri Lankan government’s ban on May Day celebrations
the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 25 April 2018
The SEP calls on all workers, oppressed people, youth, students and intellectuals to join it in protesting against this blatant attack on the democratic rights of the working class.
SEP (Sri Lanka) calls May Day meeting in Colombo
By the Socialist Equality Party, 19 April 2018
In holding its public meeting on May 1, the SEP is opposing the government’s efforts to sabotage May Day celebrations.
Sri Lankan workers’ inquiry presents findings on Meethotamulla garbage disaster
By our correspondents, 12 April 2018
The Meethotamulla disaster, which claimed at least 32 lives, was a social crime, created by capitalism and its political servants.
Halt the thuggery of non-academic union bureaucrats against WSWS reporters
the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 4 April 2018
A WSWS journalist and photographer was violently attacked by union officials at a meeting of striking non-academic employees in the Colombo suburbs on March 27.
Oppose Sinhala racist violence against Muslim community in Sri Lanka
the Socialist Equality Party, 10 March 2018
The government and the ruling elite are using anti-Muslim communalism to divert and divide the working people.
Sri Lankan local elections: SEP holds public meetings in island’s north
By our correspondent, 9 February 2018
SEP candidates explained why an international socialist program is necessary to fight the government’s social austerity measures and attacks on democratic rights.
Seventy years after Sri Lankan independence: The record of capitalist decay and the necessity for socialism
By Vijith Samarasinghe and K. Ratnayake, 3 February 2018
Throughout the Indian subcontinent, there is no real independence from imperialism and the ruling classes have failed utterly to provide democratic rights and decent living standards for all.
Sri Lanka: SEP holds first local election meeting in plantation area
By our correspondents, 19 January 2018
Speakers explained that growing social unrest in Sri Lanka, including strike action by key public sector workers, was part of an international radicalisation of the working class.
Local government election in Sri Lanka: Support SEP campaign against austerity and war! Fight for a workers’ and peasants’ government!
the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 9 January 2018
The SEP is campaigning for the international socialist program needed by workers, youth and the poor, who are increasingly coming into struggle against the government’s attacks on their democratic rights and living standards.
Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) stands for local government elections
By our correspondents, 23 December 2017
The SEP is the only party contesting the elections on an internationalist and socialist program against the looming threat of a world war, social counter-revolution and dictatorial rule.
SEP in Sri Lanka pays tribute to Keerthi Balasuriya
By our correspondent, 20 December 2017
Balasuriya’s untimely death in December 1987 “cut short an invaluable and devoted service to the cause of international socialism.”
On the 30th anniversary of the death of Comrade Keerthi Balasuriya
By David North, 19 December 2017
This letter was sent by WSWS International Editorial Board Chairman David North to a gathering of the Socialist Equality Party in Sri Lanka marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Keerthi Balasuriya.
Sri Lankan students and workers oppose Google censorship of the WSWS
By our correspondents, 22 November 2017
“It’s very important to organise the working class on an international basis.”
Successful public meeting in Colombo marks the Russian Revolution centenary
By our correspondents, 18 November 2017
About 150 workers, students, youth, professionals and housewives attended the event and around 300 watched it live via the Internet.
Sri Lankan SEP and IYSSE commemorate Russian Revolution at Peradeniya University
By our correspondents, 11 November 2017
SEP/IYSSE members campaigned extensively at the university and in neighbouring areas prior to the meeting provoking animated discussions on the political lessons of the October Revolution.
Sri Lankan SEP/IYSSE calls public meetings to mark the centenary of the Russian Revolution
27 October 2017
The Colombo meeting will discuss the political and theoretical lessons of the October Revolution for workers, students and young people being propelled into social and political struggles today.
Sri Lankan academics oppose Google censorship
By our correspondent, 7 October 2017
Google’s actions are “a gross abuse of monopolistic power” and related to its close links to the US state apparatus and the Pentagon.
Sri Lankan SEP Jaffna meeting discusses political bankruptcy of Tamil parties
By our reporters, 11 September 2017
The speakers explained the necessity for Tamil and Sinhalese workers to build a revolutionary party based on an internationalist socialist perspective.
Sri Lankan university workers defeat union attempts to victimise SEP member
By Pani Wijesiriwardena, 5 September 2017
SEP member Dehin Wasantha has a three-decade record of fighting for the rights of Sri Lankan workers, students and the poor on the basis of socialist internationalism.
SEP meeting in Jaffna: Reject Tamil bourgeois nationalism. Build the Socialist Equality Party!
19 August 2017
The meeting will discuss the degeneration of the Tamil bourgeois nationalist parties in Sri Lanka and the necessity for a revolutionary party based on socialist internationalism.
The road forward for Sri Lankan workers after the betrayal of the CPC strike
the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 12 August 2017
The struggle against privatisation and to defend jobs can be waged only through a political fight against the profit system, on the basis of socialist policies.
Public meeting in Chennai, India: Oppose the US-led imperialist war drive!
7 August 2017
The Modi government has effectively transformed India into a “frontline” state in the US-led military war drive against China.
Independent Inquiry Committee holds meeting on Sri Lankan garbage dump collapse
By our correspondent, 26 July 2017
The Independent Workers’ Inquiry called by the SEP will expose the class roots of the Meethotamulla disaster and the culpability of successive governments.
Socialist Equality Party holds public meeting on Sri Lankan floods disaster
By our correspondents, 5 July 2017
The meeting discussed the recent catastrophe, which killed at least 300 people, and the other social disasters created by the capitalist class.
Sri Lankan students demand release of framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 7 June 2017
Kelaniya University students denounced the jailing of the Indian autoworkers and supported the international campaign to free them.
Floods in Sri Lanka: Government responsible for another social disaster
the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 5 June 2017
The deaths and human suffering are results of the callous disregard for the lives of ordinary people by successive governments dedicated to defending the profit system.
Sri Lanka: SEP holds meeting and picket in Hatton for release of Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 27 May 2017
Plantation workers, youth and housewives from Hatton and plantation estates participated in the SEP campaign.
SEP (Sri Lanka) calls for workers’ inquiry into Meethotamulla garbage dump disaster
the Socialist Equality Party, 9 May 2017
The Socialist Equality Party will initiate an independent working class investigation into the April 14 catastrophe that killed 32 people and displaced over 150 families.
Sri Lanka: Jaffna picket demands release of framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 1 May 2017
Jaffna workers, youth, fishermen and housewives joined an SEP/IYSSE picket and public meeting to protest the witch-hunt and jailing of Indian autoworkers.
Sri Lanka SEP holds picket in Jaffna to free Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 28 April 2017
Despite the anti-democratic intervention of student union leaders, most Jaffna University students supported the campaign.
Sri Lankan university students condemn Maruti Suzuki frame-up
By our correspondents, 3 April 2017
Students and workers in Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna denounced the heavy sentences imposed on framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers in India.
Sri Lankan SEP and IYSSE hold picket to demand freedom of Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 1 April 2017
The well-attended SEP/IYSSE picket attracted the attention and interest of workers and youth who were returning home from work or school.
Sri Lankan SEP/IYSSE to picket and hold public meeting for release of Maruti Suzuki workers
30 March 2017
The campaign to overturn the frame-up of the Maruti Suzuki workers requires the independent mobilisation of the working class in India, throughout South Asia and internationally.
Sri Lankan workers support campaign to free framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 28 March 2017
Socialist Equality Party campaigners distributed the ICFI statement “Free the framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers” in Sinhalese and Tamil.
Join the fight to free the framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers!
the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 25 March 2017
Workers in Sri Lanka, India and around the world must unite to defeat the imprisonment of these victimised workers
A wave of class struggles in Sri Lanka: Workers must fight for a socialist program to defend their rights
the Socialist Equality Party, 18 February 2017
The series protests of private and public sector workers are a sign of the mass social upheavals to come against the pro-US government and the capitalist class as a whole.
Sri Lankan SEP and workers’ action committee oppose attacks on plantation workers
By our correspondent, 28 December 2016
The Upcot public meeting discussed the necessity of a break from the unions and the establishment of independent action committees to fight for socialist policies.
Sri Lanka: Political lessons of the Hambantota port strike
the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 21 December 2016
Colombo’s military repression of the eight-day strike points to the urgent need to build a revolutionary leadership of the working class.
Sri Lankan SEP and Deeside Workers Action Committee call meeting to defend plantation workers
15 December 2016
The meeting will discuss a program to defend plantation workers’ jobs, wages and social rights.
SEP meeting in Colombo discusses Trump’s election
By our correspondents, 6 December 2016
Speakers explained the far-reaching and reactionary implications of Trump’s victory for workers and young people globally.
Sri Lankan workers and students discuss Trump’s election
By our correspondents, 29 November 2016
Many people were keen to discuss with SEP and IYSSE campaigners the shift in world politics reflected in Trump’s victory.
Sri Lankan SEP holds meeting in Jaffna on the socialist alternative to nationalism and war
By our correspondents, 28 November 2016
Speakers explained the dangerous political agenda of the incoming Trump administration in the US and the necessity for workers and youth to mobilise on a revolutionary program.
SEP public meeting in Colombo: The international implications of Trump’s election
19 November 2016
The meeting will explain the political factors behind Trump’s election and outline the program of socialist internationalism that the working class must adopt.
SEP public meeting in Jaffna: Imperialist war, Tamil nationalism and the fight for socialism
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 2 November 2016
The Tamil nationalist parties support Washington’s war drive in Asia and have pleaded for US backing to secure privileges for the Tamil elite in Sri Lanka.
US SEP presidential candidate addresses Sri Lankan audience
By our correspondents, 31 October 2016
Yesterday’s meeting in Colombo unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the socialist anti-war conference to be held by the US SEP in Detroit on November 5.
Sri Lankan students and workers discuss US SEP’s election intervention
By our correspondents, 29 October 2016
SEP and IYSSE supporters are widely promoting the forthcoming Colombo public meeting to be addressed by US SEP presidential candidate Jerry White via the Internet.
US SEP presidential candidate Jerry White to address Sri Lankan public meeting via Internet
21 October 2016
The US presidential elections are of enormous political significance for working people and youth in South Asia and internationally.
Greetings to Chennai meeting from SEP (Sri Lanka) general secretary
By Wije Dias, 10 October 2016
“Your meeting, aimed at mobilising Indian workers and youth against war in a common struggle with workers of the world based on international socialism, is of enormous importance.”
Indian workers and students speak out against US war drive
By our correspondents, 28 September 2016
Indian workers and students discussed mounting global tensions and New Delhi’s role in the US military preparations against China.
“You are a man of unimpeachable revolutionary integrity”
On the 75th birthday of Sri Lankan Trotskyist leader Wije Dias
By David North, 9 September 2016
In his greetings, David North reviewed the significance of the more than 50-year struggle for revolutionary internationalism waged by Wije Dias, the leader of the SEP in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka: SEP meeting advances socialist program to fight government attacks
By our correspondents, 20 August 2016
The Colombo meeting discussed the growing popular opposition to the Sirisena-Wickremesinge regime and the necessity for a socialist and internationalist perspective.
SEP public meeting in Colombo: Halt the attacks on living conditions! Fight for socialist policies!
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 27 July 2016
The meeting will discuss the strikes and protests emerging in Sri Lanka against the Sirisena government and advance the socialist alternative.
Sri Lankan residents demand removal of military armouries following explosion
By W.A. Sunil, 18 June 2016
Angry protests following the huge June 5 Salawa armoury explosion reflect growing opposition to the government.
India: Tamil Nadu chief minister tries to exploit issue of Sri Lankan Tamils
By Athiyan Silva, 16 May 2016
Jayalalithaa’s promises have nothing to do with any concern about the oppression of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Sri Lankan SEP holds successful May Day meeting in Colombo
By our reporters, 12 May 2016
More than 200 people joined the meeting, which was followed by the International May Day online rally.
May Day 2016: The political tasks facing the workers and toilers of the Indian sub-continent
By Wije Dias, 3 May 2016
Wije Dias, general secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), delivered the following speech to the International Online May Day Rally.
Sri Lanka: A socialist program to fight evictions and defend the right to housing
the Socialist Equality Party, 9 April 2016
The eviction of slum dwellers and low-income families cannot be separated from the government’s attacks on thousands of urban and rural workers.
David North addresses Sri Lankan SEP launch of Sinhala edition of The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century
By David North, 22 March 2016
Publication of this new translation of David North’s The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century will contribute significantly to the education of workers and youth in Sri Lanka.
Colombo meeting launches Sinhala translation of The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century
By our correspondents, 22 March 2016
SEP general secretary Wije Dias stressed that the book’s exposure of historical falsifications was “a weapon in the revolutionary struggles of the future.”
Sri Lankan SEP to hold Jaffna public meeting on imperialist war and Tamil nationalism
14 March 2016
The meeting will expose the pro-imperialist stance of the Tamil nationalist parties and elaborate a socialist perspective to halt the growing danger of world war.
SEP (Sri Lanka) public meeting: A socialist program to defend plantation workers
1 March 2016
The meeting will discuss the socialist policies needed to defend the jobs and wages of plantation workers, which are under sustained attack.
SEP/IYSSE public meeting in Colombo to introduce Sinhala edition of The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century
22 February 2016
David North’s book makes clear that an understanding of the key strategic experiences of the 20th century, particularly the Russian Revolution of 1917, is essential for a renaissance of socialist consciousness in the working class.
SEP (Sri Lanka) holds public meeting on 75th anniversary of Leon Trotsky’s assassination
By our correspondents, 30 December 2015
Well aware that World War II would produce revolutionary upheavals, neither Stalinism nor imperialism could tolerate Trotsky’s continued existence.
Sri Lanka: A socialist program to fight budget cuts
the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 14 December 2015
The trade unions have reluctantly called a one-day strike to deflect mounting opposition among workers and the poor to the government’s austerity measures.
A socialist perspective to defend Sri Lankan plantation workers
the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 2 December 2015
Plantation companies, in collusion with the government and unions, are planning a far-reaching reversal of working conditions and social spending to boost profits.
Sri Lankan SEP to hold public meetings on the 75th anniversary of Leon Trotsky’s assassination
21 November 2015
Trotsky’s theoretical and political conceptions are essential for the development of revolutionary leadership in the international working class.
Sri Lankan SEP condemns arrest of Frontline Socialist Party leader
the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 10 November 2015
Gunaratnam’s arrest is another warning that the Sri Lankan government is preparing far broader attacks on the democratic rights of the working class and poor.
“Artists have the capacity to expose the reality of war”
Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage speaks with the World Socialist Web Site
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 13 October 2015
Vithanage discusses With You, Without You and the political difficulties facing contemporary Sri Lankan filmmakers.
SEP/IYSSE meeting in Colombo: Why is the US whitewashing Sri Lankan war crimes?
5 October 2015
The meeting will discuss the implications for working people of the US-sponsored resolution at the UN Human Rights Council on Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka: “National unity government” to implement harsh austerity measures
By W. A. Sunil, 21 August 2015
During the election, the SEP alone warned that all the capitalist parties were united in their determination to impose the burden of the economic crisis onto working people.
The significance of the SEP’s vote in Sri Lankan elections
By Deepal Jayasekera, 20 August 2015
The support for the SEP indicates a turn by an advanced section of workers and the oppressed masses towards the perspective of socialist internationalism.
Sri Lankan election results foreshadow political upheavals
By K. Ratnayake, 18 August 2015
Whichever party—the UNP or SLFP—finally forms the next government will accelerate the austerity agenda being demanded by the IMF.
Sri Lankan general election signals deepening political instability
By our correspondent, 17 August 2015
Today’s election is being held in the wake of a US-backed regime-change operation in January that ousted former President Rajapakse because of his ties with China.
Paris public meeting discusses world significance of Sri Lankan elections
By our reporters, 17 August 2015
International Committee of the Fourth International supporters held a well-attended meeting to discuss the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) election campaign.
Sri Lankan general election 2015
Vote for the Socialist Equality Party!
For a socialist program against war, austerity and to defend democratic rights! For a workers and peasants government!
the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 15 August 2015
The SEP is standing 43 candidates in three of the country’s 22 electoral districts—Colombo, Jaffna and Nuwara Eliya.
Tamil nationalist groups adopt pro-imperialist policy in Sri Lankan elections
By K. Nesan and V. Gnana, 15 August 2015
The Tamil National People’s Front and the Crusaders for Democracy are aligned with the Sirisena government and US imperialism against Tamil and Sinhala workers.
Sri Lankan president to block Rajapakse as prime minister
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 15 August 2015
Sirisena’s letter, aimed at bolstering the UNP’s electoral prospects, underscores the deep political crisis surrounding the whole election.
The Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) replies to the United Socialist Party
the Socialist Equality Party, 14 August 2015
Pseudo-left organisations in Sri Lanka such as the USP are preparing to play no less treacherous a role than Syriza in Greece.
Sri Lankan election: UNP uses murder scandal to smear opponents
By Saman Gunadasa, 14 August 2015
Whether the US had a hand in it or not, the latest scandal is indicative of the methods that will be employed should Rajapakse win the election.
Sri Lanka: Big business parties issue false pledges on unemployment
By Minusha Fernando, 13 August 2015
The problems facing the youth are an indictment of these parties and the capitalist system they maintain.
Sri Lankan election: 110 unions and NGOs back right-wing, pro-US UNP
By Saman Gunadasa, 12 August 2015
The organisations are not only campaigning for the United National Party but are also a “colour revolution” in waiting if the party loses.
Sri Lankan election: Pro-US UNP appeals to big business
By Rohantha De Silva, 11 August 2015
The promotion of the UNP, the country’s oldest bourgeois party steeped in crimes against the working class, as a champion of democracy is a complete fraud.
SEP campaign receives support in northern Sri Lanka
By our correspondent, 10 August 2015
The Socialist Equality Party held its second northern Sri Lankan election meeting at Karainagar, where SEP campaigners held lively discussions with local residents.
Sri Lanka: Pseudo-left NSSP prepares to support US-backed “colour revolution”
By K. Ratnayake, 8 August 2015
NSSP leader Karunaratne is playing a particularly sinister role in the election campaign as a propagandist for the right-wing, pro-US UNP which is in power
Former Sri Lankan president mounts chauvinist election campaign
By W.A. Sunil, 7 August 2015
In his bid to become prime minister, Rajapakse is posing as the “defender of the motherland” and making populist promises that he has no intention of keeping.
Sri Lankan irrigation department residents discuss SEP policies
By our correspondent, 6 August 2015
Irrigation department and other local workers in Ratmalana, near Colombo, voice their anger over rising poverty and increasing exploitation.
Tamil National Alliance presents pro-imperialist manifesto in Sri Lankan elections
By K. Nesan, 5 August 2015
The election manifesto aligns the TNA with the policies of Washington and the Colombo government installed in a US-engineered regime-change operation.
Sri Lanka: JVP election manifesto woos big business
By W. A. Sunil, 4 August 2015
Under conditions of widespread alienation from the two main capitalist parties, the JVP is trying to show the ruling elites that it is a viable alternative.
Manifesto of the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) for the 2015 general election
Against war and austerity! Fight for a workers’ and peasants’ government and a socialist program!
the Socialist Equality Party, 3 August 2015
The SEP’s campaign aims to mobilize workers and youth in opposition to war and attacks against democratic rights, on the basis of socialist internationalism.
Socialist Equality Party holds first election meeting in Sri Lanka’s north
By our correspondent, 1 August 2015
Hundreds of shoppers and passers-by listened to the SEP’s open-air election meeting in Kayts.
Sri Lanka: SEP campaigns against evictions in Colombo
By our correspondents, 31 July 2015
SEP candidates spoke in Wanathamulla, where residents have been the target of government “slum eviction” operations.
Sri Lankan SEP General Secretary Wije Dias interviewed on national election channel
By our correspondent, 30 July 2015
Dias explained the SEP’s socialist and international program in an hour-long interview on the state-owned Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation’s radio network.
The international significance of the Sri Lankan general election
By Peter Symonds, 28 July 2015
The political crisis in Sri Lanka is an acute expression of the breakdown of global capitalism, which is fueling bitter geo-political rivalries and social counterrevolution against the working class.
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