The 23-year-old woman, who was arrested for running a fake educational institute in Bambalapitiya, has been granted bail this afternoon.

The suspect, identified as a resident of Narangamuwa area in Giriulla, was produced before Aluthkade Court No.3 following the arrest.

She was released on a personal bail of Rs. 500,000.

The institute which goes by the name “Evolve College of Education” had 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.

It had also issued fake diploma certificates after providing academic services without legal approval.

Further, the 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.

The police said they have received 43 complaints in total related to this higher education scam.

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

At least 1,000 individuals across the country have reportedly fallen victim to this fraudulent activity.

Meanwhile, Bambalapitiya Police are on the hunt 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.