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Former Sri Lankan Navy Commander Arrested in Connection with Wartime Disappearance



Former Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Admiral (Retired) Nishantha Ulugetenne, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on July 28, 2025, in connection with an investigation into a wartime disappearance. The arrest has drawn significant attention as it marks the first high-profile case since the National People's Power (NPP) government came to power in 2024.


The 58-year-old retired admiral was taken into custody over allegations relating to the disappearance of a youth from the Pothuhera area during his tenure as Director of Naval Intelligence. According to officials, the incident dates back to a period when Ulugetenne served in naval intelligence, and the alleged victim was reportedly held in a clandestine detention facility operated under his command.


Police sources indicate that the investigation was initiated based on a letter allegedly sent from the detention center, and several suspects have already been arrested in connection with the case. The Criminal Investigation Department has been conducting this inquiry into what authorities describe as a wartime disappearance.


Admiral Ulugetenne was produced before the Polgahawela Magistrate's Court on July 28, where he was initially remanded until July 30. Following a subsequent court appearance, his remand was extended until August 13, 2025. The court proceedings have been conducted with standard legal protocols, and the accused has been afforded proper legal representation.


Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne served as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy from July 15, 2020, to December 18, 2022. A graduate of Royal College, Colombo, he joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet in 1985 and had a distinguished 37-year military career. His service record includes multiple senior positions, notably as Director of Naval Intelligence for more than three consecutive years following the humanitarian operation against the LTTE.


During his naval career, Ulugetenne specialized in gunnery and missiles and played a key role in introducing guided missile capability to the naval fleet. He held several advanced degrees, including a Master's in Defence Studies from King's College London, a Master's in Maritime Policy from the University of Wollongong, and an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras.


Following his retirement from the navy, Ulugetenne was appointed as Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Cuba in February 2024 by then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He had been serving in this diplomatic capacity until his arrest.


It is important to note that Admiral Ulugetenne has not been convicted of any charges, and the court has not yet declared him responsible for the accusations. The legal proceedings are currently in the investigative stage, and the former naval commander maintains the presumption of innocence under Sri Lankan law until proven guilty in a court of law.


The investigation continues under the supervision of the Criminal Investigation Department, and further developments in the case are expected as the legal process unfolds. The matter remains subject to judicial determination, and all parties involved are entitled to due process under Sri Lankan law.

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