One arrested as Police raid fake educational institute in Bambalapitiya

Police have raided an educational institute that had been operating unlawfully at Lauries Road, Bambalapitiya and arrested a female suspect alleged to be its Director. 

Police said the 24-year-old suspect is a resident of Narangamuwa, Giriulla. 

The institute which has gone by the name "Evolve College of Education" had advertised on social media claiming to provide diplomas and higher diplomas for local and foreign employment. It had enrolled students from across the island and conducted online educational seminars. At the conclusion of these courses which been conducted without lawful approval, the institute had also issued fake diploma certificates to the students. 

The institue had been in operation without adhering to local or foreign standards, according to police, which added that students had been charged anywhere between Rs. 100, 000 to Rs. 445, 000, depending on the type of course. 

Police have so far received 43 complaints in relation to the alleged scam operated by this institute. 

Investigations have also revealed that the institute was not registered with the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission and had been operating fraudulently without any form of approval. 

According to police, as many as 1000 persons throughout the island are thought to have fallen prey to the scam. 

Bambalapitiya Police are also conducting investigations to arrest a 25-year-old resident of Mattakkuliya who had acted as the Co-Director of this fake educational institute. He is currently evading arrest.