Serious concerns have been raised in court over a video filmed inside the Negombo Prison featuring Charlotte May Lee, a 21-year-old British woman arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport with 46 kilograms of “Kush” cannabis in her luggage.
During a hearing before Additional Magistrate Darshika Premarathna, it was revealed that the video — recently published by the UK’s Daily Mail — was allegedly recorded without Lee’s knowledge during her remand at the prison. Her legal counsel, Senior Attorney Sampath Perera, informed the court that individuals claiming to be media personnel had visited the prison and filmed Lee under the pretext of being friends.
Prison officials admitted that the visitors were granted access under normal procedures, but later discovered that one individual had used a disguised device — described as a “button-like” camera — to secretly record the interaction.
The footage, now circulating widely online, shows Lee speaking from within the prison about her treatment and living conditions. She claims to have been unaware she was being recorded at the time.
Magistrate Premarathna strongly cautioned prison authorities and instructed that future visitors must obtain prior written approval before meeting detainees. She also emphasized the need for stricter vetting of visitors to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Lee, who was arrested on May 12 after arriving from Bangkok, remains in custody and will be remanded until June 13 as investigations continue. During the latest hearing, police presented the full haul of narcotics in court, which was ordered to be stored securely.
The British national faces two charges — possession and importation of narcotics — and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is providing consular support and is in contact with Sri Lankan authorities. (Newswire)
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