12 Lankans attempting to travel to Canada on forged visas arrested

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

Twelve Sri Lankan nationals including five females were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers when they were attempting to travel to Canada with forged visas.  

Police said the suspects had attempted to travel to Canada via Qatar and a female who was the mastermind behind the forged visa racket was also among the arrested.  
Investigation revealed that the suspect woman, a resident of Battaramulla had been operating a language training and visa processing centre in Battaramulla.   

The suspects aged between 21 and 55 were identified as residents of Kiribathgoda, Nugegoda, Mawanella, Alawathugoda, Kegalle and Polgahawela.  

The suspects were produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court and eleven of them were released on Rs. 600,000 surety bail each.  
The woman behind the racket was remanded till September 29.  

• The suspects were produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court and eleven of them were released on Rs. 600,000 surety bail each