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CID Takes Nishantha Ulugetenne into Custody Over Incident in Pothuhera
A High-Ranking Arrest Raises New Questions
Former Navy Commander Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with an alleged abduction case dating back to his tenure as Director of Naval Intelligence.
The arrest was made as part of an ongoing investigation into a kidnapping incident in the Pothuhera area, revealing once again that even senior figures in the military are not beyond the reach of the law.
Incident Rooted in Intelligence Tenure
Sources indicate that the kidnapping took place during Ulugetenne’s time as Director of Naval Intelligence, a position that placed him at the center of national security operations. Details of the incident remain largely undisclosed, but it is being investigated as a serious violation of personal liberty and due process.
Not an Isolated Case
This arrest is being viewed in connection with a broader pattern of alleged abductions and enforced disappearances linked to the Navy during the post-war years. Notably, this is not the only such case under investigation.
The infamous Trincomalee 11 case, in which several navy personnel were charged with abducting and murdering Tamil youth between 2008 and 2009, is still ongoing, and this latest development may reignite public scrutiny over the role of military intelligence during that period.
Accountability in Uniform
Legal analysts say Ulugetenne’s arrest could be a watershed moment in the pursuit of accountability within the armed forces. For decades, human rights groups have alleged that high-ranking officers enjoyed de facto immunity from prosecution.
A legal expert familiar with the case noted, “This could mark the beginning of a shift where senior officials are held answerable, regardless of their former status.”
Next Steps
The former Navy Commander is expected to be produced before court, where charges will be formally presented. The CID has not ruled out further arrests or additional charges as investigations continue.
Broader Implications
While the full implications remain to be seen, this development highlights increasing pressure on law enforcement and the judiciary to take a firmer stance on historic crimes tied to national security operations. The question now is whether this arrest signals the start of a broader institutional reckoning.