The Criminal Court has remanded an Indian national in custody for 15 days after he allegedly attempted to enter Velana International Airport (VIA) using an access pass issued to another person.

The man, identified as 45-year-old Sanjeeva Reddy Yelma, is currently employed in the Maldives.

According to the court order, Sanjeeva attempted to enter the airport through Gate 51 on the eastern side using an access pass issued by the Aviation and Airport Security Command to another foreign national. The work visa of the person to whom the pass was issued has also been cancelled.

Sanjeeva told the court that the pass had been given to him by his “boss” at his workplace.

However, the court found evidence against him in connection with the alleged unauthorised attempt to enter the airport and ordered that he remain in custody for 15 days, citing a potential risk to public safety.