Reuters and Sirasa media network reporter George David was threatened by Sri Lanka Army (SLA) as he asked the soldiers to wait while his daughters get ready for the school before a routine search.

You are suspicious. We have powers; we can do anything   SLA officers to journalist George David

Defence affairs spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told BBC Sandeshaya that the journalist was subjected to a cordon and search after land mines were found in the area.

"My information is that the journalist has helped the search operation," he told bbcsinhala.com.

Trincomalee Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nimal Samarakoon was informed of the incident by the journalist

“You are suspicious. We have powers; we can do anything,” an SLA official with a foot patrol team was reported to have said.

My information is that the journalist has helped the search operation   Minister Keheliya Rambukwella

The journalist was informed by the SLA team that they were to come back in a vehicle to arrest him.

Police in Trincomalee have found claymore bombs nearby but it was the SLA that carried out search operations, residents said.

Residents expressed concern that no police personnel were involved in the search operation.