Arrest of Lanka e News Editor Sparks Media Freedom Concerns ⚖️

The Internet Media Action (IMA) has issued a formal statement expressing "profound concern" following the arrest of veteran journalist Sandaruwan Senadheera, Editor of Lanka e News, at Bandaranaike International Airport. • Context of Arrest: Senadheera was detained upon his return to Sri Lanka after nearly 16 years of political asylum in the UK. He originally fled the country during the Rajapaksa administration citing death threats and the 2011 arson attack on his media organization. • Legal Background: Authorities report the arrest is linked to a legal case filed under a previous administration. • Media Industry Impact: The IMA warns that this action risks reviving concerns of "political witch hunts" and "media suppression" that characterized past eras. This sentiment impacts the broader ICT/BPM and digital media landscape by raising questions about the safety of digital expression. • Key Demands: Guarantee of personal safety for the journalist while in custody. Transparent legal proceedings free from political vendetta. Practical fulfillment of government pledges to safeguard freedom of expression. The IMA urged the current administration to intervene immediately to ensure justice and prevent a perceived threat to democratic values.