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According to our observations, the said magisterial inquiry is no longer active, and investigations have been concluded with indictments already filed in the High Court.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)
