Two Retired Military Intelligence Officers Arrested in Connection with 2008 Abduction and Assault of Journalist Keith Noyahr

On March 1, 2025, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) apprehended two retired soldiers in connection with the 2008 abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr. The suspects, aged 42 and 46, are former members of the Army Intelligence Unit residing in Nawagattegama and Ulukkulama, respectively.

Keith Noyahr, who served as an associate editor at The Nation newspaper, was abducted and severely beaten in May 2008. The incident occurred shortly after he had published articles critical of the military. Noyahr was released the following day after enduring significant injuries.

This case has seen previous arrests, including that of Major General (Retired) Amal Karunasekara, former Director of Military Intelligence and Chief of Staff of the Army, who was taken into custody in April 2018 on charges related to aiding and abetting Noyahr's abduction and assault.

The CID continues its investigation into this case, aiming to bring all those involved to justice.