Sri Lankan Navy Former Commander Arrested Over Kidnapping Charges

Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, former Sri Lankan Navy commander, was arrested over a kidnapping investigation. The incident dates back to his tenure as Director of Naval Intelligence in Pothuhera. The Criminal Investigation Department handled the arrest, with Ulugetenne remanded until July 30. He also served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Cuba.

On Monday, Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, the former commander of the Sri Lankan Navy, was arrested in connection with a kidnapping case under investigation. The incident, according to officials, stems from a period when Ulugetenne was serving as the Director of Naval Intelligence.

The events occurred in the northwestern region of Pothuhera, where an illegal detention center is alleged to have operated under his supervision. The Criminal Investigation Department was responsible for Ulugetenne's arrest, following allegations brought forth by an abductee.

He was presented before the Polgahawela magistrate, who ordered his detention until July 30. Ulugetenne also previously served as Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Cuba. His predecessor, Wasantha Karannagoda, had faced similar accusations involving the abduction of Tamil minority youths.

(With inputs from agencies.)