The current war was preceded by a brutal winter. In late December 2025, the collapse of the Iranian Rial sparked nationwide protests that evolved into a revolution. By January 2026, human rights agencies reported over 30,000 deaths in a massive crackdown—among the largest massacres in modern history—as the regime used live ammunition to quell public dissent.

Following the collapse of nuclear negotiations in Oman, President Donald Trump authorized “Operation Epic Fury.” On February 28, 2026, a massive wave of nearly 900 joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes hit Iran.

• The opening salvo killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and dozens of top IRGC commanders before they could reach secure bunkers.
• The Assembly of Experts has since appointed Mojtaba Khamenei (the late leader’s son) as the new Supreme Leader, though the regime remains in a state of fragmented military rule.

The most devastating global impact of the war is the 2026 Strait of Hormuz Crisis. On March 2, the IRGC officially declared the waterway closed to “hostile” vessels.

•  Brent Crude oil spiked to a crisis-high of $119.50 earlier this month and is currently trading near $110.12 per barrel.
•  With the Strait blocked, nearly 20 million barrels of oil per day—roughly 20% of the world’s supply—is stranded. Major producers like Kuwait, Iraq, and Qatar have been forced to declare force majeure on their contracts.
• Countries like China, India, and Japan—which rely on the Gulf for 75% of their oil—are facing severe shortages. In emerging markets like Sri Lanka, fuel prices have jumped 30% in just one week.

     As of this today morning, the war has reached a new level of complexity:

For the first time since the war began, Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed a missile launch toward Israel today. The Israeli military confirmed it intercepted the projectile.An Iranian attack on an air base in Saudi Arabia wounded over a dozen U.S. service members yesterday, with two reported in serious condition.Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites hours after threatening to escalate its campaign. Reports confirm strikes on heavy water plants and enrichment facilities in Arak and Yazd.

 

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa,

Hon. Minister of Mass Media,

Ministry of Mass Media,

Colombo.

 

Hon. Minister,

Intervention Regarding the Arrest of Journalist Sandaruwan Senadheera, Editor of ‘Lanka e News’

The Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Unions (FMETU) draws its serious attention to the arrest of Mr. Sandaruwan Senadheera, journalist and Editor of the ‘Lanka e News’ website, who was taken into custody at the Katunayake International Airport today (11th) upon his arrival in the island, having been compelled to live in exile for over 16 years due to life threats resulting from his media profession.

As a leading organization in Sri Lanka representing the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), we wish to bring several legal and ethical facts regarding this arrest to your kind notice:

It is reported that this arrest was carried out based on a warrant issued on November 25, 2016, by the then Gampaha Magistrate, Ms. Kaveendra Nanayakkara. This was based on a magisterial inquiry related to the 2009 incident of the assault and attempted murder of journalist Upali Tennakoon.

According to our observations, the said magisterial inquiry is no longer active, and investigations have been concluded with indictments already filed in the High Court. The continued execution of an old magisterial warrant in such a background is a serious issue.

The conduct of the Magistrate who issued the warrant had been severely criticized by the ‘Lanka e News’ website prior to that. In such a context, we are of the view that there was a conflict of interest in the Magistrate’s conduct in issuing a warrant alleging the publication of a photograph of a suspect (Prem Ananda Udalagama) related to an identification parade involving Mr. Upali Tennakoon.

Mr. Sandaruwan Senadheera currently holds British citizenship and arrived in Sri Lanka on a valid visa.

While considering the unique mission Mr. Sandaruwan Senadheera has fulfilled towards democracy and freedom of expression in this country, as well as the unique circumstances he faces as a journalist, we expect your prompt intervention as the Minister of Mass Media. We trust that the current government, which stands for the expansion of democratic space, will act to protect the professional rights and dignity of journalists.

Considering all facts and regarding this as a unique situation, we expect a suitable intervention from the government for his release.

Thank you.

 

Yours faithfully,

Tharindu Uduwaragedara

General Secretary,

Federation of Media Employees’ Trade Unions (FMETU)

 

Sri Lanka Independence Day is one of the most important national days in the country. Celebrated every year on February 4, it marks the day Sri Lanka regained its freedom from British colonial rule. In 2026, the nation proudly celebrates 78 years of independence, honoring the sacrifices, struggles, and unity that shaped the country’s journey to sovereignty.

On this day, Sri Lankans remember the leaders, freedom fighters, and communities who worked tirelessly to achieve self-rule after more than 400 years of foreign colonial influence.