Three suspects, including an Assistant Controller of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, were granted bail yesterday (6th of June) by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court over allegations of forging a passport for a wanted criminal.
The suspects are accused of illegally renewing the passport of Kehelbaddara Padme, a notorious organized crime figure believed to be in hiding in Dubai.
The passport, which expired on 9th of November 2024, was allegedly renewed without Padme being physically present, breaching official procedures.
Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali ordered each suspect to be released on two personal sureties of Rs. 1 million.
The court also imposed a travel ban on the suspects and instructed them to surrender their passports.
The case has been scheduled for further hearing on November 13, 2025.
