Intelligence officer arrest in connection with disappearance of journalist

A senior military intelligence officer was arrested in connection with the disappearance of a prominent journalist ahead of the 2010 presidential polls, officials said Friday.

Military intelligence officer Lt Col Erantha Peiris was arrested last night, they said.

On Friday, he was produced in court which remanded him in custody till September 28.

Journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda had disappeared ahead of the 2010 presidential polls while working for former Army chief Sarath Fonseka, who had challenged the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

His wife Sandhya Eknaligoda has pursued a relentless campaign seeking justice.

The case was revived in 2015 when Rajapaksa lost to president Maithripala Sirisena in the presidential polls.

Earlier, some military personnel was arrested in the case but they are currently out on bail.