by Our Correspondent in Colombo
Former Navy Commander and ex-Ambassador to Cuba, Nishantha Ulugetenne, was granted bail by the Kurunegala High Court after the presiding judge sharply criticized the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for procedural irregularities in his arrest.
The judge stated that the CID Director did not follow the procedures stipulated in the Criminal Procedure Code. “The manner in which the CID acted in the arrest of former Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugetenne was flawed,” the judge remarked, adding that such illegal processes were unexpected from a police officer with over 20 years of experience.
Ulugetenne’s arrest has drawn attention due to his prominent career. After serving as head of the Sri Lanka Navy, he was appointed Ambassador to Cuba. Following a change in government, he was recalled, officially citing the political nature of the posting. Ironically, he was replaced by a little-known journalist who had unsuccessfully contested elections on behalf of the ruling party before being appointed ambassador.
Legal experts and political analysts have suggested the arrest may have been politically motivated, given the irregularities noted by the court. Ulugetenne’s lawyers welcomed the bail decision, emphasizing the importance of adherence to due process, particularly in cases involving senior officials and former diplomats.
The Government should be extremely careful in dealing with the Armed Services Officers, as indicated by the Judge who found irregularities in the arrest of the Navy Commander. War is NASTY !! and the war would have been terminated 12 years earlierif not for intervention by India. Sri Lankans will always, repeat always, will be grateful to the Sri Lankan Armed Services.