The Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL) has strongly criticized the Government for allegedly suppressing discussions that challenge its adherence to the IMF austerity programme.
The controversy arose when the Political Science Students’ Association (PSSA) of the University of Peradeniya’s Department of Political Science organized a lecture on 3 January titled “How to Fight Against the IMF Austerity Programme?”. Despite securing prior approval, the Acting Vice Chancellor reportedly instructed the PSSA to either revise the topic to avoid the impression of opposing government policies or face immediate suspension of the event.
The CPSL denounced the directive as a clear violation of democratic rights, stating that it undermines the principles of academic freedom in universities.
While Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya denied issuing instructions to interfere with the lecture, the CPSL argued that the evidence indicates government influence in the decision to cancel the event. “It is unlikely that the Acting Vice Chancellor would have acted independently,” the party stated.
The CPSL also highlighted contradictions in the Government’s stance. While the National People’s Power (NPP) election manifesto promised to renegotiate the IMF agreement to better serve Sri Lanka, the administration, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has reaffirmed its commitment to the IMF programme, as stated in the President’s policy address on 21 November.
The CPSL warned that censoring discussions on alternatives to the IMF austerity programme could stifle democratic dissent and prevent necessary debate on the country’s economic future. “If Sri Lanka is to overcome its economic crisis, caused by 47 years of neoliberal policies, there must be open discussions on alternatives,” the party emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Government denied involvement in the incident, asserting its commitment to upholding freedom of expression within universities.
The CPSL called on academics, students, and intellectuals to oppose what it described as an alarming attempt to suppress alternative views, urging the Government to cease any interference in democratic discourse. (Newswire)
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