The Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL) has strongly condemned the Government for allegedly suppressing discussions that challenge its adherence to the IMF austerity programme.
The controversy began when the Political Science Students’ Association (PSSA) at the University of Peradeniya’s Department of Political Science organized a lecture on January 3 titled “How to Fight Against the IMF Austerity Programme?”. Despite having received prior approval, the Acting Vice Chancellor reportedly instructed the PSSA to revise the topic to avoid the impression of opposing government policies or face immediate suspension of the event.
The CPSL denounced this directive as a violation of democratic rights, stating that it undermines academic freedom within universities.
While Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya denied issuing any instructions to interfere with the lecture, the CPSL argued that the evidence points to 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 pointed out contradictions in the Government’s stance. While the National People’s Power (NPP) election manifesto promised to renegotiate the IMF agreement for the benefit of 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 November 21.
The CPSL warned that censoring discussions on alternatives to the IMF austerity programme could stifle democratic dissent and prevent essential 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 any 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.
