The Arrest of Journalist Sandaruwan Senadheera: Official Statement of Internet Media Action (IMA) on Democracy and Media Freedom
Posted on March 12th, 2026

Internet Media Action (IMA)

Internet Media Action (IMA) expresses its profound concern regarding the arrest of veteran journalist and editor of the Lanka E News website, Sandaruwan Senadheera, at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, yesterday (11th), following nearly 16 years of political asylum in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Senadheera was compelled to flee Sri Lanka during the Rajapaksa government, having faced death threats, the enforced disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, and the arson attack on the Lanka E News media organisation in the early hours of 30 January 2011. Since then, he continued to champion democracy in Sri Lanka through the Lanka E News website and extended strong ideological support to the National People’s Power (NPP) in its rise to power.

It is reported that Mr. Senadheera has been arrested as a suspect in connection with a legal case filed under a previous administration. Nevertheless, this action has reignited justifiable concern within the Sri Lankan media community as to whether the political witch-hunts and media suppression that characterised past eras are once again resurfacing. It is the responsibility of the current administration to dispel such concerns.

We therefore strongly urge the police and government authorities to uphold the following:

Guarantee of Personal Safety: The government must bear full responsibility for the safety and security of Mr. Senadheera.

Fairness Under the Law: Any legal proceedings against him must be free from political vendetta, conducted transparently, and uphold his right to a fair legal process.

Protection of Professional Freedom: The government must practically honour its pledges to ensure the professional safety of journalists and safeguard freedom of expression.

Actions of this nature, which evoke the dark era of journalist persecution, constitute a threat to democracy. We therefore call upon the authorities and the government to intervene immediately and ensure that justice is served in this matter.

Sampath Samarakoon

Internet Media Action (IMA) +94 777 248304 | @IMAlanka

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