Attempting to leave for Australia: fines on 44 suspects

Sarath MALALASEKERA

Colombo Chief Magistrate and Additional District Judge Rashmi Singappuli yesterday imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each on 44 suspects who were produced before court by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on a charge of attempting to leave for Australia violating immigration laws.

The judge also sentenced them to two years' rigorous imprisonment and suspended the jail term for five years.

The court issued open warrants to four suspects who were not present in court when the case was called yesterday.

Producing the suspects earlier, the CID told court that the suspects were taken into custody in several Colombo lodges while preparing to leave for Australia without valid immigration documents

The CID conducted investigations on the direction of CID DIG Jayantha Kulathilake.