Indian subcontinent
Maldives government releases former president
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 2 February 2016
The strategically-located island archipelago has increasingly become a focal point of Washington’s “pivot” to the Indo-Pacific region to confront China.
Indian Stalinists form pro-imperialist Third Front in Tamil Nadu
By Athiyan Silva and V. Gnana, 22 January 2016
The Stalinists chose V. Gopalasamy, a pro-US politician and admirer of Barack Obama, as the leader coordinating the activities of the Front’s different parties.
Bangladesh: 41 belatedly charged over Rana Plaza factory collapse
By Sarath Kumara, 18 January 2016
The trial is essentially a face-saving attempt by the Awami League-led government, which has a long record of disregard for the appalling conditions facing apparel workers.
India-Pakistan talks may be derailed even before they begin
By K. Ratnayake, 13 January 2016
Whoever was responsible for the January 2 assault by armed gunmen on India’s Pathankot Air Force Base, its purpose was to scuttle the US-backed “dialogue” between the two nuclear-armed rivals.
One year of Sri Lankan President Sirisena’s rule: Propaganda and reality
By Pani Wijesiriwardena, 11 January 2016
The government is both intensifying the offensive against the working class and tying the country to the war plans of the United States.
Sri Lankan government moves to criminalise “hate speech”
By Saman Gunadasa, 6 January 2016
The planned new laws are an attack on the democratic rights of the working class, directed in particular against any person or party fighting for a revolutionary socialist perspective.
Indian prime minister visits Russia to consolidate relations
By Deepal Jayasekera, 5 January 2016
While supporting the US “pivot to Asia” against India’s regional rival China, the Modi government is maintaining New Delhi’s longstanding ties with Russia.
India’s Modi makes surprise visit to Pakistan
By Sampath Perera, 29 December 2015
Modi’s Pakistan trip was a pragmatic maneuver aimed at placating Washington and shoring up the increasingly embattled Indian government domestically.
Tamil People's Forum sets a new nationalist trap for Sri Lankan workers
By V. Gnana, 29 December 2015
The formation of the TPF is a shabby political maneuver to give a facelift to Tamil nationalist groups discredited by their support for the Sri Lankan government.
Sri Lankan farmers protest against budget cuts
By W.A. Sunil, 24 December 2015
Farmers marched to the prime minister’s office, denouncing cuts to fertiliser subsidies and rice prices.
Japanese premier forges ties with India to counter China
By Deepal Jayasekera, 19 December 2015
While currently proceeding under the aegis of the US “pivot,” Abe’s push for a closer partnership with India is driven by Japanese imperialism’s own substantial military-strategic and economic ambitions.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
19 December 2015
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Sri Lankan trade unions call off one-day stoppage
By Pani Wijesiriwardena, 17 December 2015
From the outset, the unions sought to scuttle the strike, even as opposition mounted among workers to the government’s budget cuts.
India: Government negligence responsible for flood disaster
By Sasi Kumar and Moses Rajkumar, 15 December 2015
Tens of thousands of people in the capital Chennai and across the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu are yet to be rescued and properly assisted.
Tamil party complicit in detention of Sri Lankan political prisoners
By K. Nesan, 9 December 2015
The Tamil National Alliance functioned throughout the prisoners’ hunger strike as a servant of the government, deceiving the prisoners and their families.
Mounting tensions between India and Nepal over blockade
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 30 November 2015
The detention of Indian border guards and protests in Kathmandu are the latest incidents in the unresolved standoff between the two countries.
India: Modi announces new wave of pro-investor reforms
By Kranti Kumara, 27 November 2015
In an attempt to kick-start India’s languishing economy, the BJP government has raised or outright eliminated foreign investment caps.
Nepal turns to China for fuel to counter Indian blockade
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 2 November 2015
The conflict engulfing the small Himalayan state is another illustration of the sharp geo-political tensions building up across Asia.
Sri Lankan plantation companies to tear up workers’ rights
By W.A. Sunil, 31 October 2015
The proposed “revenue sharing” wage formula is a major attack on the already low incomes, jobs and working conditions of plantation workers.
Sri Lankan government boosts spending on security forces
By Saman Gunadasa, 30 October 2015
President Sirisena’s government is preparing an austerity budget that will make deep inroads into working-class living standards.
Mounting humanitarian crisis in wake of Pakistan-Afghanistan quake
By Oscar Grenfell, 29 October 2015
The lack of government assistance and aid in both countries is creating mounting discontent amid deteriorating conditions.
NSSP leader backs US cover-up of Sri Lankan war crimes
By K. Ratnayake, 29 October 2015
At every point, the NSSP has followed in the footsteps of US imperialism, justifying Washington’s actions and giving credence to its bogus “human rights” posturing.
Hundreds dead in Afghanistan and Pakistan after 7.5 magnitude earthquake
By Oscar Grenfell, 27 October 2015
The devastating consequences of the natural disaster will be compounded by 15 years of US-led neo-colonial occupation.
Indian trade unions shut down Kerala plantation workers’ strike
By Arun Kumar, 27 October 2015
There is growing anger among plantation workers across the southern Indian state of Kerala over the unions’ wage betrayal.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
17 October 2015
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Tamil political prisoners in Sri Lanka launch hunger strike
By S. Jayanth, 17 October 2015
Hundreds of detainees, some of whom have never been charged, have vowed to fast until death to demand their release.
Sri Lankan and Japanese prime ministers declare “comprehensive partnership”
By K. Ratnayake, 15 October 2015
The Colombo government is enmeshing Sri Lanka in the geo-political interests of the US and its allies, including Japan, directed against China.
“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.
New constitution triggers political turmoil in Nepal
By W.A. Sunil, 9 October 2015
Pressure from India is compounding conflicts in Nepal, wedged between India and China.
India joins trilateral “dialogue” with US and Japan
By Deepal Jayasekera, 7 October 2015
As part of its anti-China “pivot”, Washington has long been pressing India to join US-led trilateral and quadrilateral initiatives with Japan and Australia.
Sri Lankan president moves to implement death penalty
By Sanjaya Jayasekera, 7 October 2015
The agitation for the return of capital punishment is seeking to divert public concern from the real social problems and further strengthen police powers.
Sri Lankan president boasts at UN of “new era of democracy”
By K. Ratnayake, 5 October 2015
Sirisena’s democratic posturing is designed to enhance his government’s international standing and strengthen links with the US.
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: Seven killed in central hills tea estate landslide
By our correspondents, 2 October 2015
Successive governments, the plantation companies and the tea estate unions have refused to take action to prevent landslide disasters.
US-Sri Lankan resolution to UN human rights body to cover up war crimes
By Saman Gunadasa, 29 September 2015
Washington’s willingness to countenance a largely domestic “human rights inquiry” is a payoff to the new pro-US government in Colombo.
Bangladeshi government confronts rising popular discontent
By Wimal Perera, 25 September 2015
The Awami League-led government’s imposition of austerity measures is provoking unrest among students, teachers and workers.
UN report on Sri Lanka details atrocities during the civil war
By Rohantha De Silva and K. Ratnayake, 22 September 2015
If the report is “milder” than it might have been, it is because the US wants no disruption to the new pro-US government in Colombo.
Sri Lankan currency falls sharply
By Saman Gunadasa, 21 September 2015
The floating of the currency to depreciate its value is the first major austerity move by the new “national unity government” in Sri Lanka.
UN releases war crimes report on Sri Lanka
By K. Ratnayake, 17 September 2015
While the inquiry confirms that war crimes occurred, the UN human rights commissioner’s remarks echo the shift in US policy.
India: Over 80 killed in Madhya Pradesh explosion
By Deepal Jayasekera, 16 September 2015
Saturday’s tragedy resulted from the widespread practice of storing explosives in residential areas to maximise profits.
Sri Lankan president warns against “toppling” the government
By W. A. Sunil, 14 September 2015
Sirisena is desperate to shore up the new “national unity” government as it prepares to implement austerity and integrate the island into US war plans.
India and Pakistan exchange war threats
By Sampath Perera, 12 September 2015
For months, India and Pakistan have been regularly exchanging artillery fire across the Line of Control that separates Indian and Pakistan-held Kashmir.
Sri Lankan defence seminar reflects pro-US foreign policy shift
By Rohantha de Silva, 11 September 2015
This year’s seminar was held in the context of escalating moves by the US to integrate countries in the Asia-Pacific region into its strategic build-up against China.
Tamil nationalist appointed opposition leader in Sri Lankan parliament
By K. Nesan, 10 September 2015
The aim was to install a political flunkey of Washington who will support any austerity measure or pro-US foreign policy.
US probes former Sri Lanka president’s alleged assets
By Saman Gunadasa and Deepal Jayasekera, 8 September 2015
Washington’s investigation seeks to further marginalise Rajapakse and his supporters and block any challenge to the present pro-US government.
India invites Japan for naval exercises with US
By Arun Kumar, 5 September 2015
The decision by Prime Minister Modi to hold trilateral naval games involving India, the US and Japan has been encouraged by Washington as part of its aggressive “pivot” against China.
Sri Lankan prime minister appoints huge cabinet
By K. Ratnayake, 5 September 2015
The new US-backed government is trying to cement its position and prepare to ram through harsh austerity measures.
Millions of Indian workers strike against Modi government’s pro-market reforms
By our correspondents, 3 September 2015
While workers are determined to defend their jobs and living conditions, the unions used the strike to let off steam and keep workers tied to the political establishment.
Sri Lankan president announces “national unity government”
By K. Ratnayake, 2 September 2015
The new coalition government is an attempt by the ruling class parties to close ranks in order to impose savage austerity measures on the working class.
US shift on Sri Lankan war crimes probe exposes Tamil nationalists
By K. Nesan, 1 September 2015
By supporting the US-backed government, the Tamil nationalists are complicit in allowing the crimes of the civil war to go unpunished.
Indian unions to hold one-day national strike
By Deepal Jayasekera, 1 September 2015
The unions have called the September 2 strike not to mobilize workers and the rural toilers against the Modi government and its neoliberal policies but to contain the growing opposition to them.
Sri Lankan political parties hail US shift on war crimes probe
By Saman Gunadasa, 31 August 2015
This stance not only exposes the pro-imperialist character of these parties but their involvement and complicity in the Sri Lankan human rights atrocities.
US announces shift on Sri Lankan war crimes investigation
By K. Ratnayake, 27 August 2015
The announcement confirms that Washington has cynically exploited “human rights” in Sri Lanka to advance its interests, particularly against China.
India reaches into the South Pacific to counter China
By John Braddock, 27 August 2015
The summit was part of Indian efforts to build defence and strategic ties in the Asia-Pacific, designed to counter Chinese influence.
Britain’s Financial Times hails Sri Lankan election result
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 26 August 2015
The Financial Times editorial is a damning indictment of the Sri Lankan pseudo-left organisations that sided with the pro-US UNP in the election.
Sri Lankan corporate elite demands “tough” economic decisions from new government
By Saman Gunadasa, 24 August 2015
The “national unity government” will impose severe austerity measures and will not hesitate to use police-state measures against any resistance by working people.
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.
Pro-US United National Party to form government in Sri Lanka
By Saman Gunadasa, 19 August 2015
While the UNP win has blocked a comeback by former President Mahinda Rajapakse, the political turmoil in Colombo will only continue and deepen.
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 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.
Flooding across South Asia affects millions of people
By Oscar Grenfell, 6 August 2015
Monsoonal downpours have created a humanitarian disaster, with the most impoverished and oppressed people among the worst affected.
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.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalate despite Modi-Sharif meeting
By Sampath Perera, 1 August 2015
India’s 15-month-old BJP government continues to integrate New Delhi ever more completely into Washington’s anti-China “pivot.”
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.
Witch-hunt continues against Sri Lankan tea estate workers
By M. Thevarajah, 30 July 2015
The victimisation of Ingestre workers is part of an escalating offensive by plantation companies to slash costs and drive up productivity.
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 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.
Japan competes with China over port investment in Bangladesh
By Sarath Kumara, 22 July 2015
In line with the US “pivot,” Japan hopes that its Bangladesh investments will boost its political weight in South Asia and undercut Chinese influence.
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.
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
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.
Sri Lankan president dissolves parliament amid political uncertainty
By K. Ratnayake, 29 June 2015
Since the January 8 presidential election, Sirisena and his minority government have faced one crisis after another.
The Apu Trilogy: “Art wedded to truth must, in the end, have its rewards”
By Richard Phillips, 29 June 2015
Indian director Satyajit Ray’s cinematic masterwork, The Apu Trilogy has been meticulously restored by Janus Films and is currently screening in North American cinemas.
SEP/IYSSE public meetings to discuss Sri Lankan political crisis
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’s Punguduthivu: An island devastated by war
By Subash Somachandran and M. Kalaimaaran, 24 June 2015
Unbearable social conditions and de facto military rule continue after nearly three decades of war in Sri Lanka’s north.
Bangladesh budget: More concessions to investors, increased austerity for poor
By Wimal Perera, 23 June 2015
The Awami League-led government’s attempts to create more profitable conditions for business are deepening the attacks on the living conditions of the workers and poor.
Indian military raid in Myanmar escalates regional tensions
By Deepal Jayasekera, 16 June 2015
India’s pro-US, Hindu chauvinist government was quick to tout the cross-border raid against anti-Indian separatists in Myanmar as a warning to Pakistan.
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.
Indian prime minister visits Bangladesh to strengthen ties against China
By Deepal Jayasekera, 12 June 2015
Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart declared that bilateral relations had entered a new phase.
Sri Lankan government facing deepening financial crisis
By Saman Gunadasa, 8 June 2015
The government is raising commercial loans to cover payments on existing loans, heightening the political uncertainty in Colombo.
US defence secretary boosts military ties with India
By K. Ratnayake, 5 June 2015
As Washington ratcheted up its confrontation with China over the South China Sea, Carter’s trip to India emphasised greater naval cooperation.
Sri Lankan plantation company victimises strike activists
By M. Devarajah, 3 June 2015
The punishment of the seven workers is designed to send a message to all workers that the employers will ruthlessly impose higher workloads.
Indian heatwave kills more than 2,200
By Sujeeva Amaranath, 1 June 2015
Most of the victims in the worst heatwave since 1998 are construction workers, homeless people, street dwellers and the poor.
Sri Lankan president postpones parliamentary election
By K. Ratnayake, 29 May 2015
Sirisena has refused to set a poll date, breaking his promise to dissolve parliament on April 23 and call an election.
Sri Lankan president pledges to strengthen the military
By Rohantha De Silva, 26 May 2015
Sirisena postured at “war victory” events as a crusader for “peace and reconciliation” while vowing to increase military resources.
India’s Modi woos and warns China
By Deepal Jayasekera and Keith Jones, 21 May 2015
Overshadowing Modi’s entire visit was the heightening of tensions across the Indo-Pacific region as a result of Washington’s “pivot to Asia.”
India: CPM General-Secretary Sitaram Yechury’s right-wing record
By Arun Kumar, 30 April 2015
The new leader of the Stalinist CPM has for years functioned as a member of the political establishment, helping stitch together and prop-up a series of rightwing governments.
Modi bears strategic “gifts” to Seychelles and Mauritius
By Deepal Jayasekera, 14 March 2015
With Washington’s backing and encouragement, India is seeking to counter China’s growing influence by harnessing key Indian Ocean island states.
India’s “growth” budget coddles business while punishing working people
By Kranti Kumara and Keith Jones, 3 March 2015
Big business has lauded Jaitley’s budget as good for investors and profits,
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