A detected human smuggling case involving several Ground Staff of SriLankan Airlines at Colombo’s Bandaranaiyake International Airport Katunayake which went underground in the year 2014 has resurfaced, Colombo Telegraph reliably learns.
Pradeepa Kekulawala
Investigation reports submitted by Sajith Winodahewa Security Manager (Docs.Check & Investigations) and Security Investigation Supervisor Susantha Mawela to Head of Security Major Gen P. Chandrawansa into the incident which was conducted by the Security Division of SriLankan Airlines is currently in the possession of Colombo Telegraph.
Surprisingly despite the detection made on the 9th March 2014, no action to date has been taken and all alleged conspirators to the crime are currently still employed by the national carrier.
In the security investigative report SriLankan Airlines Check in Agent Tharaka Lakmal (C 8887) had checked in two passengers bound for Riyadh on Sri Lankan Airlines. The two passengers Mathytharsan Mahadevan and Danushka Iddhamal (counterfeit name) were holding forged documents and were to travel onward to Milan Italy from Riyadh.
Other staff on duty at the check in counter who was hauled into to CID office for questioning was Check in Officer Sampath Fernandopulle (17769) and Check in Agent Shalitha Jayaweera (18592).
However more startling evidence surfaced during the investigation when Airport Service Officer T.M.D. Dinesh Milinda Peiris (17818) was exposed personally visiting Departure Gate 11 of the departing flight and caught on CCTV helping to facilitate the two passengers leave on the said flight UL 269 bound to Riyadh.
In a further startling report he is stated as saying that he was aware that they were holding forged travel documents.
The investigative reports further elaborates that flight UL 269 was scheduled to depart at 14:15 hours and the allocated departure gate for the flight was originally Gate 3.
At BIA departure Gates 1,2,3 & 4 are located downstairs whilst all other gates are located upstairs with connecting aero bridges.
Airport Service Officer T.M.D. Dinesh Milinda Peiris was assigned duty at departure Gate 3.
However due to an experienced delay to SriLankan Airlines flight UL 269 the departure gate was changed to Gate 11, which was located upstairs with new staff assigned to facilitate the departure.
The staff assigned to Gate 11 was H.D. Madhavee Madhushika Airport Services Agent (C 9376) as the Gate Controller and Ms. Shyami Bhagya Amarasingha Airport Service Agent (19133) had functioned as the Gating Officer.
With all plans now bungled, Airport Service Officer T.M.D. Dinesh Milinda Peiris who was assigned duty at departure Gate 3, had hurriedly arrived to Departure Gate 11 and was observed checking the computer system at the departure gate. He then personally was on the lookout for the two passengers named Mathytharsan Mahadevan and Danushka Iddhamal. After having located them he himself had checked their travel documents one more time and had eventually handed it back to them to proceed on the flight.
Shortly thereafter according to a report filed by Suranga Fernando SriLankan Airlines Security Supervisor (Documents Check), he states “While I was on duty covering flight UL 207 at Departure Gate 2, I got information from Susantha Mawela (SriLankan Airlines Investigation Supervisor) regarding two suspicious passengers travelling on UL 269 at Gate 11. Both of us proceeded and finally apprehended two passengers named Mathytharsan Mahadevan and Danushka Iddhamal who were travelling to Milan Rome via Riyadh with forged documents. We handed the two passengers to the CID.”
According to a report filed by Susantha Mawela (Security Investigations Supervisor) he stated that on their way to the CID, passenger Danushka Iddhamal had informed him that his real name is Stanley Kanistan Fernando. According to Danushka Iddhamal his agent named ‘Ayya’ had instructed him to go to Check in Counter number 6 and then to Immigration counter number 2.
This report also now implicates the Immigration Officer who was on duty on the 9th of March 2014 during the hours 3-5 pm around the time the two passengers travelling on forged documents passed through Immigration.
Security Investigations Supervisor’s report also concludes to say that the CID Officer had requested that Gating Staff Madhavee Madhushka and Airport Service Officer T.M.D. Dinesh Milinda Peiris were summoned to provide statements.
Whilst Gating Staff Madhavee Madhushka had reported to the CID Office to record her statement Airport Service Officer T.M.D. Dinesh Milinda Peiris had refused to do so.
It is astonishing to note that Pradeepa Kekulawela the SriLankan Airlines’ Head of Human Resources continues to let reported incidents as such go underground.
Despite CID intervention into the two passengers travelling with forged documents, it is also a breach on the part of the Check in Agents of SriLankan Airlines to be involved in such crimes.
Airport Service Officer T.M.D. Dinesh Milinda Peiris is also in breach of leaving his assigned position at Gate 3 and going up all the way to Gate 11 to check on to passengers travelling with forged documents.
This was highlighted in both submitted security personnel’s reports.
During the investigation conducted by SriLankan Airlines, the viewing of the CCTV footage identifies Airport Service Officer T.M.D. Dinesh Milinda Peiris entering the Departure Gate 11, checking the two passengers’ documents and handing it back to them for onward travel.
This is despite Airport Service Officer T.M.D. Dinesh Milinda Peiris also stating that “‘yes’ they were travelling on forged documents,” in his report too.
A senior airline professional working at the Colombo Airport Katunayake speaking on condition of anonymity said “Human smuggling has been a racket that has been going on for years. Facilitating travelers to go through the airport involves huge sums of rupees. The market rate at present is Rs 3 million. That is because many staff such as the Check in Agent, Supervisor, Manager, Immigration Officers and Departure Gate Staff all have to be paid handsomely for a safe passage.” (By Jacqueline Senanayake)
Analyst / September 4, 2018
Oh What ! Shameless , Gutless, Spineless, Morons of Buddha land.
The Politicians, The Law of the country, The Spiritual leaders are the cause of this curse in our country.
Firstly they were allowed to strip naked the Minorities, next they were allowed to
strip and bankrupt the nation.
BECAUSE THE MAJORITY CAN DO ANYTHING AND GET AWAY WITH BLUE MURDER.
This kind of freedom was allowed to every individual from the majority community which lead to this lawlessness in our country.
One law for the minority another law for the majority.
The Politicians and the Law encouraged Crimes and violence since the Crooked politicians took charge of the country since the Independence 70 years ago.
This is now the INCURABLE DISEASE OF THE COUNTRY. LAWLESS COUNTRY , LAWLESS GOVERNMENT ETC.
When the PM when to the Temple trees soon after the Presidential election in January 2015 to meet the EX President who had just lost the race was planning a Coup.
What our PM did ??? Gave the Crooks and the Murderers the Freedom and promised Freedom for life apparently.
These are methods of cheating the Public .
So Law abiding citizens where can we and who can we turn to .???
The country is in disarray.
No sticking plaster will save our country or our future generations.
Curse ! Curse! More Curse.
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justice / September 4, 2018
So, for just Rs Three Million, one can escape from the democratic socialist republic.
On not ‘forged’, but ‘falsified’ documents(passports/visas).
Why is it called “human smuggling”?
It is escaping from this Dharmadwipa.
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Burt / September 4, 2018
Analyst:
Welcome to Sinhala bauda rata where war criminals get diplomatic postings to number one grade countries.
At one time number two terrorist whose face and name is known by all leaves BIA on diplomatic passport with a different name.
Media men got white van rides some not to return intimidating and silencing the media while drug barons left through the airport with military protection.
Still there is a large number that want them back. Who should really take the blame.
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K.Pillai / September 4, 2018
In the culture of corruption/nepotism/impunity it gives us hope when officers of high calibre and integrity are with us. The reports are meticulously prepared. As to why it was swept under the carpet is baffling.
Was the current Head of Human Resources Pradeepa Kekulawala whose monthly salary was revealed in a RTI released report to be in excess of Rs 950,000 a month, holding the same position in 2014?
Pradeepa must act now. With the case so very well prepared and presented, even the culture of impunity may not help.
.
Remember Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan (nom de guerre: Colonel Karuna Amman) was human-trafficked into UK. He was arrested on arrival, spilt the beans, was Her Majesty’s guest few months and deported. Rest is history.
Pradeepa, it is in your interest to act and act very quickly.
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UKCitizen / September 4, 2018
@K.Pillai
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Try to connect the dots – it’s not too difficult.
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Why do you think Pradeepa Kekulawala gets such a high salary? Do you think it’s possible that he’s there to facilitate certain actions and protect certain people and groups?
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Is it possible that in return for this he is protected?
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You seem to think Pradeepa Kekulawala is part of the solution. He’s not – he’s part of the problem.
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Read the Weliamuna Commission report. Theft/Fraud/Corruption/Racketeering are a normal part of everyday operations at SriLankan Airlines.
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K.Pillai / September 8, 2018
UKCitizen ~ “…….You seem to think Pradeepa Kekulawala is part of the solution……”.
With my tongue in my cheek, my speech was a bit incoherent.
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Kugan / September 4, 2018
Also with this saga find out how the LTTE managed got to the air field and which mother seller gave the air side pass …..
In the name of Buddha and saving the 2500 old history these greedy breeds do anything for money they would sell their mother sisters and even the wife
But proud to be Buddhists,disgrace
Majority of Thamils don’t agree with LTTE but was forced upon by these thugs in the form of govt
Utter jealousy towards minorities
So called guardians big mass graves ,we wanted to separate we doesn’t wants to govern by these murderers drug dealers and pretend to be patriotic but they all foreigners their investment and siblings all abroad
Better learn mandarin and Hindi another 99 yrs will be the masters of this pupet land,don’t forget they will renovert the viharaes and donate more statues
God save the future generations
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K.Pillai / September 8, 2018
Kugan ~ “God save the future generations”
If you are serious please remember foul mouthing will achieve nothing – perhaps give rise to more of it. Your generalisations are totally irrational.
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SENA / September 4, 2018
Where is Jimmy and Champaa
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Analyst / September 4, 2018
Sena
Don’t you know ? They’re counting Rs…….from their share of human smuggling.
What a way to live Machang. I wish if can be gutless, spineless and ruthless to live in the shadow of Gauthama Buddha’ s statue and stealing from the poor like that.
Well!! I’m too honest to be Gutless, Senseless ,Greedy Morons like them.
Do they sleep well?? I wonder. Karma will catch up with them one day.
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Burt / September 5, 2018
Analyst:
Not just smuggling. The current case on the disappearance of 11 youths had nothing to do with terrorism but kidnapping for ransom. According to the CID it was done by state forces using state resources. How many others would have been kidnapped and ransom paid without anyone knowing?
The president who was in charge of the armed forces, defense secretary and military leaders should be held accountable not just the people that carried out the directives. Rajapaksa’s earned money using every avenue possible. Why are they not investigated?
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Burt / September 5, 2018
Govirala is obstructing justice in the Sinhala Bauda State of the Buddha.
“President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered that information of the three armed forces be not given in connection with ongoing court cases into murders and disappearances, ‘Anidda’ reports.
He issued the order at a meeting on August 28 at his Paget Road residence attended by the defence secretary, chief of defence staff and top defence and police officials, it says.
The CID says it needs certain information of the armed forces to take forward its investigations into the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunga, disappearance of Prageeth Ekneligoda and the abduction of Keith Noyarh, Upali Tennakoon and 11 youths etc.
Taking up the related cases, courts have ordered the commanders of the three armed forces to provide the details required.
But, that has not been done yet.
The president summoned the meeting after the police wrote to the defence secretary about the matter.
Damaging to national security
There, defence secretary Kapila Waidyaratne said that providing information under 34 categories as requested could endanger national security.”
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Masha / September 5, 2018
Totally agree with you as I also know very well how he mange the HR department. Some points to ponder,
1. Who is ghe manager in charge of disciplinary management jn HR? She is yasitha, a woman who cant handle to speak a sentence in proper English but has a MBA sponsored by her engineering big shot lover boy.
Head of HR is numb for this as the engineering fellow is highly politically connected.
2. People who acted smart in ghe department especially ladies who didnot want to have any personal relationship with hhr were harassed so badly and that valued labour has left the company.
3, the lady lover dulari is about to be promoted to grade 10 any moment for analysing his personal agendas on a daily basis and (you know what I mean) and Consuming money from the training budgets handle.
4. Employing and promoting friends daughter hansini overnight from intern to executive and company stylist’so daughter shashya for executive position while she is just 22 years old. Etc, etc.
The money he has wasted,
1. Having huge management trainee graduations at five star hotels when there are ample auditoriums in the company so that he can misuse the money and reserve a room at the particular venue for his personal agendas with training analysis madame.
2. The enormous money he has spent for IATA International gathering in sri lanka in the year 2013
3. His duty trips overseas with manipulated bills to claim money back from the company. His secretary is well aware of these…
The list can go on and on…. simply he is a rogue who should be sentenced
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Masha / September 5, 2018
Totally agree with you as I also know very well how he mange the HR department. Some points to ponder,
1. Who is ghe manager in charge of disciplinary management jn HR? She is yasitha, a woman who cant handle to speak a sentence in proper English but has a MBA sponsored by her engineering big shot lover boy.
Head of HR is numb for this as the engineering fellow is highly politically connected.
2. People who acted smart in ghe department especially ladies who didnot want to have any personal relationship with hhr were harassed so badly and that valued labour has left the company.
3, the lady lover dulari is about to be promoted to grade 10 any moment for analysing his personal agendas on a daily basis and (you know what I mean) and Consuming money from the training budgets handle.
4. Employing and promoting friends daughter hansini overnight from intern to executive and company stylist’so daughter shashya for executive position while she is just 22 years old. Etc, etc.
The money he has wasted,
1. Having huge management trainee graduations at five star hotels when there are ample auditoriums in the company so that he can misuse the money and reserve a room at the particular venue for his personal agendas with training analysis madame.
2. The enormous money he has spent for IATA International gathering in sri lanka in the year 2013
3. His duty trips overseas with manipulated bills to claim money back from the company. His secretary is well aware of these…
The list can go on and on…. simply he is a rogue who should be sentenced
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K.Pillai / September 6, 2018
The allegations by Marsha and the revelations by PCoI must be looked into.
Are these election issues? No but the language/religion-divide is the only issue.
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PN / September 7, 2018
Pradeep Kakulawela is a crook and managed to survive all this years. Surprisingly the airport authority has transferred some of capable staff to other sections from ground handling, while this hooligans are entertained by Pradeep and Co. All this rouges should be brought to justice without further delay including Prdeep Kakulawela
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Sheriff / September 7, 2018
HHR, this man simply does not know the people in the company. The guy has no idea of the industry or the JDs of different divisions. He is a just a Yes man who walks around as if he is Gods gift to HR, he is more of a Head of Human remains than resource . Add to his incompetences where was he when unsuitable inexperienced person was appointed to head the Ground Handling department? Now to be changed by the new management. Where was he when a Nil Balakaya Head of Cargo was brought in with no interview ? Or where was he when the commercial appointed a mangers with out interviews like in Thailand and where was he when a complete joker from a different department was appointed as a repayment for a favour to run HongKong station? Now reduced flights and contemplating to pull out ? Where was he when GMs were just promoted to head positions with a 500k additional remuneration ? He is truly not Head of H resources but mere Human remains. He has to be responsible for the major part of the losses for just being a freaking yes man
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K.Pillai / September 8, 2018
The PCoI is going a bit too far. Can expect it to be scuttled
PS: Dictionary ‘scuttle’ – To thwart, ruin, or terminate: “a program [the] President … sought to scuttle” (Christian Science Monitor).
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