Mr Ganeshan accuses the government of political witch hunt

Police spokesman SP Prishantha Jayakody told BBC Sandeshaya that Letchuman Bharatidasan of Democratic Peoples Front (DPF) was arrested by the unit in Kandy and currently detained under a Detention Order.

"He is facing many accusations including supporting and being involved in terrorism," Mr Jayakody said.

Pointing out that Bharatidasan has been involved with pro-government Tamil political parties, the DPF accuses authorities of political victimisation after he changed his political allegiances.

"The government is clearly employing police to seek political revenge," DPF leader Mano Ganesan told the BBC.

Before joining the DPF in February Mr Bharathidasan has been affiliated to Upcountry Peoples Front and Ceylon Workers Congress.

Both parties are aligned with the ruling coalition.

However, the police spokesman denied any political motive behind the arrest. SP Jayakody said three more people were arrested in connection to the charges.

Police did not reveal when the suspect is expected to be produced before the courts, stating that a detention order has been served.