Sri Lanka Police have arrested a 46-year-old man accused of spreading false and unverified claims on social media that an LTTE training camp and bomb-making facility were operating inside the Palai Forest Reserve.
The claims gained traction after a video and media briefing alleged that a three-storey building had been constructed after clearing a large area of forest in the Palai region. The facility was portrayed as a possible militant training and explosives manufacturing site.
Following the circulation of the footage, police launched an investigation under the direction of the Kilinochchi Senior Superintendent of Police, with the involvement of the Counter Terrorism and Investigation Division (CTID).
Investigators identified the location as Kannagipuram West in Mukkampan, within the Akkarayanulam Police Division of the Kilinochchi Police District.
Authorities subsequently determined that the allegations of an LTTE camp, bomb factory or explosives production facility were baseless and false. Investigators found no evidence of explosives manufacturing, illegal bomb production or other related activities at the site.
Police also found no evidence that the premises were being used as a combat training centre or for activities supporting the LTTE or any other terrorist or extremist organisation.
However, the investigation uncovered separate allegations involving illegal deforestation and the accumulation of illicit assets at the location. Further investigations into those matters are continuing.
The CTID arrested the suspect on August 18, 2026. The man, a 46-year-old resident of Bellanwila, Boralesgamuwa, was produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court on August 19.
The court ordered that he be remanded until September 2, 2026, as investigations continue.
Police said the Kilinochchi Division and the CTID are conducting further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the circulation of the false claims and the other offences uncovered during the investigation.
