Lanka e-News Editor Arrested at Airport After 16 Years in Exile

Sandaruwan Senadheera, the editor of the online news outlet Lanka e-News, was taken into custody by police at Bandaranaike International Airport on his return to Sri Lanka. Senadheera had lived abroad for approximately 16 years after fleeing Sri Lanka amid intense political pressure and threats linked to his critical journalism. His arrest has drawn immediate condemnation from press freedom organisations, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists. Supporters gathered outside the airport and at the courts demanding his release, while his legal team filed for bail. The case has reignited debate in Sri Lanka over media freedom and the treatment of journalists who have been critical of successive governments.