The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to three suspects, including an Assistant Controller of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, who were arrested in connection with the alleged issuance of two forged passports to underworld figure Mandinu Padmasiri, alias ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, currently residing overseas.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali ordered that each suspect be released on two surety bonds of Rs. 1 million. The court also imposed a travel ban on the trio and instructed them to surrender their passports.

The case will be taken up again on 13 November. Meanwhile, the two other suspects released on bail have been ordered to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on 13 June to provide statements.