[2][3] The attack came after The Sunday Leader had published an article which alleged that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had misappropriated tsunami relief funds.
[5][6] The attack came after The Morning Leader had been critical of the Asian Tribune's relationship with a government backed paramilitary group.
[5][6] Irudina journalist Dileesha Abeysundera was the target of a kidnapping attempt on 28 September 2009 when a group of unidentified men tried to force their way into her home in Borella.
[1] In September 2012 Asanga Seneviratne, an ally of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, bought a 72% stake in the Iruresa and its sister newspaper The Sunday Leader.
[10][13] The Sunday Leader had published a number of reports exposing Seneviratne's property developments and investment deals.