Sources said the arrest was carried out based on a warrant issued by the Gampaha Chief Magistrate’s Court in 2016 over allegations related to contempt of court.

However, the exact case under which he was arrested has not been officially confirmed.

Senadheera had left Sri Lanka in 2010 following the arson attack on the Lanka eNews office and the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, and had been living in the United Kingdom under political asylum.