Kumar Gunaratnam, was charged with immigration offence, police said. Gunaratnam, 49, is a leader of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP).
Spokesperson for the Department of Immigration and Emigration Lakshan De silva said Gunaratnam, who is an Australian national, had arrived in Sri Lanka on a tourist visa and had remained in the country illegally. He extended his 30-day tourist visa since January 31.
The controversial political activist who decided to go underground once the local authorities rejected his plea to remain in the country for activism, has been brought to the Kegalle Police station.