Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka)
A wave of class struggles in Sri Lanka: Workers must fight for a socialist program to defend their rights
By 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
By 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
By , 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
By , 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
By , 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
By 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
By , 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
By , 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
By , 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
By 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
By 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
By , 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
By 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?
By , 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!
By 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
By 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!
By 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.
Socialist Equality Party campaigners win support in Sri Lanka’s plantation district
By our correspondents, 27 July 2015
SEP supporters spoke with workers and youth in the Nuwara Eliya district who expressed deep opposition to the establishment parties and the trade unions.
Sri Lankan SEP holds inaugural election meeting in Colombo
By our correspondents, 25 July 2015
Speakers explained the crisis of bourgeois rule in Sri Lanka, its roots in global geo-political tensions and the socialist program that must be taken up by the working class.
Sri Lankan plantation workers must oppose wage struggle betrayal
By M. Thevarajah—Socialist Equality Party election candidate and group leader for the Nuwara Eliya district, 24 July 2015
The unions are collaborating with the plantation companies and the government to drive up productivity and slash workers’ living standards.
Socialist Equality Party fields 43 candidates in Sri Lankan general elections
By our correspondent, 16 July 2015
The SEP’s election slates are headed by leading party members with long-standing records of fighting for socialist internationalism.
Sri Lanka: SEP meeting defends victimised plantation workers
By our correspondents, 15 July 2015
Central hills plantation workers attend SEP public meeting in defiance of ongoing union and police harassment.
SEP to stand in Sri Lankan general election
By the Socialist Equality Party, 13 July 2015
The SEP is the only party advancing an internationalist and socialist program against war, austerity and attacks on democratic rights.
Victimised Sri Lankan plantation workers speak to the WSWS
By our correspondents, 3 July 2015
Tea estate management targeted Deeside workers because of their leading role in a three-day strike against increased production demands.
Support grows for victimised Sri Lankan tea estate workers
By our correspondents, 1 July 2015
Plantation workers denounce frame-up charges against Deeside estate workers.
Sri Lanka SEP calls public meeting to defend victimised plantation workers
By , 30 June 2015
The Glenugie tea plantation workers were victimised for playing a leading role in a three-day strike in February against an arbitrary increase in workloads.
SEP public meeting assesses political turmoil in Sri Lanka
By our correspondents, 26 June 2015
A successful meeting in Colombo examined the turmoil confronting President Sirisena’s government.
SEP/IYSSE public meetings to discuss Sri Lankan political crisis
By , 25 June 2015
The Socialist Equality Party and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality are holding public meetings throughout Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka: Reinstate victimised Deeside plantation workers!
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 15 June 2015
What took place at the Deeside division is a rehearsal for broader attacks by government and the corporate elite on all sections of the working class.
South Asia, the US “pivot” and the perspective of permanent revolution
By Wije Dias, 5 May 2015
This speech was delivered by Wije Dias, the general secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) to the May 3 International May Day Online Rally.
Link to audio
The political struggle against war and the tasks of the Socialist Equality Party
Perspective resolution of the First National Congress of the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka)
By , 30 April 2015
The resolution was unanimously adopted by the first national congress of the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) held on March 27–30, 2015.
Sri Lanka: Campaign for International May Day wins warm response
By our correspondents, 24 April 2015
University students and workers in Colombo are signing up for the May 3 global online rally.
Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) holds first national congress
By our correspondents, 21 April 2015
Delegates from across the island unanimously adopted two resolutions on socialist internationalism and the political fight against war.
UN delays war crimes report on Sri Lanka
By Manusha Fernando, 23 February 2015
The delay is a clear concession to the new Sri Lankan government in return for its rapid realignment of Colombo’s foreign policy away from Beijing towards Washington.
More evidence of US involvement in Sri Lankan regime-change
By K. Ratnayake, 16 February 2015
The installation of Maithripala Sirisena as Sri Lankan president via the January 8 election was the outcome of a carefully orchestrated operation in which the US was intimately involved.
New Sri Lankan government brings down election budget
By Saman Gunadasa, 9 February 2015
Behind false claims of budget “concessions,” the government is preparing new attacks on the working class and the poor.
Evidence of India’s involvement in regime change in Sri Lanka
By K. Ratnayake, 21 January 2015
Reuters reported that an Indian intelligence agent was expelled before the Sri Lankan presidential election, following complaints that he assisted the opposition parties.
Sri Lankan government discusses phony “100-day work program”
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 20 January 2015
The measures are nothing but a smokescreen for the new government’s right-wing agenda, including its pro-US foreign policy.
Who is Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena?
By Sujeewa Amaranath and W.A. Sunil, 16 January 2015
Sirisena is not a “common man” but a bourgeois politician devoted to imperialism and big business.
SEP wages powerful campaign in Sri Lankan presidential election
By Pani Wijesiriwardena, 15 January 2015
The SEP alone fought for the political independence of the working class from all the pro-capitalist candidates.
The outcome of the Sri Lankan election and its international implications
By Deepal Jayasekera, 12 January 2015
What has unfolded since Sirisena deserted Rajapakse’s government is a US-sponsored regime-change operation.
Sri Lanka: President Mahinda Rajapakse concedes defeat in election
By Wasantha Rupasinghe and K. Ratnayake, 9 January 2015
The result is the outcome of a behind-the-scenes intervention by the Obama administration.
Sri Lankan opposition parties line up behind US regime-change agenda
By K. Ratnayake, 8 January 2015
The opposition parties are seeking to cloak their line-up with US interests via cynical denunciations of “Rajapakse’s dictatorship.”
The international significance of the Sri Lankan presidential election
By Wije Dias, 7 January 2015
Washington’s intervention in the election is bound up with the accelerating pace of its “pivot to Asia” and preparations for war against China.
Tamil nationalists support US-backed opposition in Sri Lankan election
By K. Nesan, 7 January 2015
The TNA is backing Maithripala Sirisena, who is just as responsible for the government’s crimes during the civil war and the attacks on the working class.
JVP campaigns for pro-US opposition candidate in Sri Lankan presidential election
By Nanda Wickremasinghe, 6 January 2015
Having long ago integrated itself into the Colombo establishment, the JVP has increasingly accommodated to Washington.
Pseudo-left USP plays double game in Sri Lankan presidential election
By Vilani Peiris, 5 January 2015
The USP claims to be running an “independent” campaign, but in reality is providing back-handed support for the pro-US opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena.
SEP presidential campaign underway in war-ravaged northern Sri Lanka
By our correspondents, 3 January 2015
The SEP has a long history in northern Sri Lanka of fighting for an international socialist program against both successive Colombo governments and the separatist LTTE.
Sri Lankan opposition candidate issues pro-US, pro-business manifesto
By W.A. Sunil, 31 December 2014
One of the central purposes of Sirisena’s manifesto is to send a clear signal that he will shift foreign policy decisively towards the West.
Sri Lanka: NSSP leader campaigns for right-wing, pro-US presidential candidate
By Pani Wijesiriwardena—SEP presidential candidate, 27 December 2014
The NSSP’s election campaign is part of the international line-up of pseudo-left organisations behind US imperialism and its aggressive drive for global hegemony.
Sri Lanka: SEP election campaign reveals widespread disillusionment with main political parties
By our correspondents, 22 December 2014
Socialist Equality Party supporters have launched an intense campaign for the party’s presidential candidate Pani Wijesiriwardena.
Sri Lanka: SEP presidential candidate addresses Colombo meeting
By our correspondents, 20 December 2014
The SEP campaign aims to build a socialist and internationalist movement of the working class against imperialist war and attacks on basic rights and living conditions.
SEP statement for Sri Lanka’s presidential election
Vote for SEP candidate Pani Wijesiriwardena! Fight for a socialist program against war and social counterrevolution!
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 15 December 2014
The SEP is the only party fighting for a socialist program against the growing threat of world war and the relentless assault on the living conditions and democratic rights of working people.
Sri Lankan SEP to hold public meetings to launch presidential election campaign
By Socialist Equality Party, 9 December 2014
The meetings will discuss the socialist program necessary for the working class to fight the growing dangers of world war and the deepening assault on social and democratic rights.
Sri Lanka: Opposition presidential candidate to implement austerity
By K. Ratnayake, 4 December 2014
The opposition platform is a cynical exercise aimed at duping voters into believing that its candidate would end the onslaught on living standards and democratic rights.
Sri Lankan SEP holds press conference to announce its presidential campaign
By our correspondents, 29 November 2014
SEP political committee member Pani Wijesiriwardena is the only candidate representing the interests of the working class.
Sri Lankan SEP to contest presidential election
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 26 November 2014
The SEP will campaign on a socialist and internationalist perspective against the growing danger of world war and deepening attacks on living conditions and democratic rights.
ICFI/WSWS supporters in India hold public meeting on danger of world war
By our correspondents, 22 November 2014
Workers and students from various workplaces and colleges came to discuss an alternative socialist perspective.
Sri Lankan SEP/IYSSE public lecture series: Fifty years since the LSSP’s betrayal
By , 18 November 2014
The lectures will discuss the vital political lessons of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party’s entry into a bourgeois coalition government in 1964.
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