May 10, Colombo (LNW): Authorities investigating the death of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena have obtained statements from 15 individuals, including former national cricketer Aravinda de Silva, as inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Colombo Crime Division said investigations are now progressing based on findings from the post-mortem examination and additional forensic assessments. Officials confirmed that Chandrasena’s remains have been referred to both the Government Analyst and the Judicial Medical Officer for further scientific evaluation.
The post-mortem examination was reportedly carried out by a panel of five specialist forensic medical experts, reflecting the high-profile nature of the investigation and the need for a comprehensive medical assessment.
Chandrasena’s body was discovered on Tuesday morning at the residence of a relative in the Kollupitiya area of Colombo, prompting an immediate police inquiry.
The former airline executive had been facing legal proceedings linked to allegations that he accepted a payment of US$2 million during a controversial aircraft procurement deal involving Airbus in 2013. The case had drawn considerable public attention due to its connection to corruption allegations within the national carrier.
Earlier this month, Chandrasena had been granted bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court after being produced before court by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. Bail conditions included a cash deposit and several high-value personal sureties.
However, investigators later informed court that irregularities had allegedly emerged in relation to two of the sureties submitted on his behalf. According to officials, individuals had reportedly been paid a comparatively small amount of money to stand as guarantors for bonds valued at millions of rupees.
Following those revelations, the Bribery Commission sought permission from court to revoke Chandrasena’s bail, arguing that the conditions imposed by the judiciary had been violated. The Commission further requested that he be remanded under provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act until the conclusion of the proceedings.
Subsequently, Asanga S. Bodaragama, Chief Magistrate of Colombo, directed that Chandrasena be arrested and produced before court without delay.
Police sources stated that preparations were underway to execute the court order when the former airline executive was later found dead, adding another layer of complexity to an already high-profile corruption investigation.
