Police have raided an educational institute which had unlawfully carried out its operations at Lauries Road in Bambalapitiya and arrested a woman who is said to be the Director of the institution.

The 23-year-old suspect is a resident of Narangamuwa area in Giriulla, the police said.

The institute which goes by the name “Evolve College of Education”, has advertised on social media platforms that it provides educational qualifications such as diplomas and higher diplomas required for local and foreign employment, to admit students from across the island and conduct online seminars. The institute has also issued fake diploma certificates after providing academic services without any legal approval.

Police also mentioned that the relevant institute had been in operation without meeting either local or international standards and has obtained sums of money ranging between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 445,000 from each student, depending on the type of course. 

So far, the police have received 43 complaints in total related to this higher education scam.

Investigations have revealed that the institute in question had not obtained the approval of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission either.

It has been uncovered that nearly 1,000 individuals from different parts of the island have fallen victim to this scam.

Meanwhile, Bambalapitiya Police are carrying out investigations to arrest a 25-year-old resident of Mattakkuliya, who had acted as the co-Director of the said institute and remains at large at present.

Bambalapitiya Police are conducting further investigations.