Sri Lankan Workers Unite to Demand Freedom for Ukrainian Socialist
In a resounding show of international solidarity, workers from Sri Lanka’s Katunayake Free Trade Zone (KFTZ) and Ratmalana Railway have rallied around the campaign to free Bogdan Syrotiuk, a 27-year-old Ukrainian Trotskyist recently sentenced to 15 years in prison on treason charges. The campaign, spearheaded by members of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and the International Youth and Students for Socialist Equality (IYSSE), has garnered significant support from local laborers, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the global working class.
A Call for Unity Against War
Syrotiuk, a leading figure in the Young Guard of Bolshevik-Leninists, has faced severe repercussions for advocating a united front between Russian and Ukrainian workers against the ongoing war. His conviction has sparked outrage and prompted calls for his release, reflecting a growing recognition among workers worldwide of the toll that war takes on civil liberties and social justice.
Campaigners have actively engaged workers in the KFTZ, an export processing zone employing over 30,000 people, distributing literature and garnering support for Syrotiuk. Many workers in KFTZ, whose meager earnings average between $107 to $137 per month, voiced their solidarity, recognizing the shared struggles against war, exploitation, and economic injustice.
Voices from the Ground: A Unified Front
Among the supporters is Lakmal, a 34-year-old contract laborer, who articulated the pressing need for solidarity in the face of global conflict. “We will not even have food to eat if the wars continue. That is why I join my voice with many others around the world in demanding: Immediately release Bogdan Syrotiuk!” he proclaimed, underscoring the dire implications of ongoing militarism.
Another worker, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed her concern over the war’s devastating impact on all nations, asserting, “If the war continues, it will be a great disaster. Bogdan fought for the entire human race to stop the war. He must be released.” Her testimony reflects a broader sentiment among workers who feel the repercussions of geopolitical strife in their daily lives.
Against the Backdrop of Global Conflict
As discussions of rising military expenditure and global conflict loom over the KFTZ workers, the urgency of the SEP/IYSSE campaign has only intensified. Many workers, like Dilushan, a 50-year-old employee at a printing factory, vehemently oppose war as a means of governance. “Every human being has the right to live,” he stated. “Bogdan is advocating for the right to life—he must be freed.”
The workers’ resolve to stand against repressive measures, whether in Ukraine or Sri Lanka, illustrates a critical awareness of their collective power. They recognize the escalating threats posed by the ruling class and the necessity of fostering a robust international anti-war and socialist movement.
The Path Forward
As the campaign to free Bogdan Syrotiuk garners momentum, the message is clear: solidarity among workers across borders is crucial in the fight against oppression and war. Formerly isolated movements are now finding strength in unity, demonstrating that defiance against state-sponsored injustice knows no geographical boundaries. The ongoing support from workers in Sri Lanka highlights not just local concerns but global implications touching every working-class individual facing the specter of war.
To stand with Bogdan and his principles of peace and unity, workers worldwide are called to join the fight against militarism and inequality—because every soldier and civilian deserves the right to live free from the horrors of war.