Former Naval Intelligence Chief Mohotti Arrested by CID

20-Sep-2025

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The former head of Naval Intelligence, retired Rear Admiral Sarath Mohotti, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The arrest is connected to the abduction and disappearance of Shantha Samarawickrama, also known as Kegalle Shantha, who had earlier been arrested by Alawwa police. 

According to evidence uncovered during investigations, the then Naval Intelligence Chief was in charge of the underground detention and torture site at Trincomalee "Gunsite" during that period.

Summoned to the CID yesterday, Mohotti was taken into custody by the Special Investigation Division after questioning.

Earlier, former Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugetenne, who served as the head of the Navy’s Intelligence Division during the same period, had also been arrested and placed in remand custody until the 24th.

According to CID investigations submitted before the Polgahawela Magistrate’s Court, Rear Admiral Sarath Mohotti was the one in charge of Naval Intelligence when Kegalle Shantha was abducted and unlawfully detained at the Trincomalee "Gunsite" prison. His arrest was carried out accordingly.

So far, 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with this abduction and disappearance case — six police officers and six naval personnel.

Rear Admiral Sarath Mohotti was produced before Magistrate D.R.U.J. Dissanayake of the Polgahawela Magistrate’s Court. Appearing in court, CID’s Special Investigation Division Chief Inspector Ilangasinghe and Sergeant Rajapaksa requested that the suspect be remanded further.

The Magistrate accepted the request and ordered that Sarath Mohotti be held in remand until September 24.