Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the government was responsible for the abductions of two businessmen in Rathgama. 

Speaking to the media after a religious ceremony in Tangalle today, Rajapaksa said the incident was similar to the abductions and murders that unfolded in 1988/89. 

Rajapaksa added that the perpetrators of the crime should be brought to book without delay. The two businessmen, who were abducted last month, believed to be executed. 

The CID has arrested IP Kapila Nishantha de Silva, an officer attached to the Southern Province Special Investigations Unit, over the incident. 

DIG Ravi Wijegunawardena, Southern Province Police Chief, has also been transferred out.