By: Staff Writer

May 12, Colombo (LNW): The sudden death of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena has pushed Sri Lanka’s biggest corruption investigation into a dangerous new phase, where questions over political accountability are now competing with growing allegations of intimidation, coercion, and institutional abuse.

At the center of tomorrow’s political storm is former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is scheduled to appear before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to record a statement over allegations linked to the controversial Airbus aircraft procurement deal.

But what was initially expected to be a major anti-corruption breakthrough has rapidly transformed into a deeply polarizing national controversy after Chandrasena’s shocking death just days before the scheduled summons.

The former airline chief executive, accused of playing a central role in arranging bribes tied to the 2013 purchase of ten Airbus aircraft worth $2.3 billion, was found dead in Kollupitiya under circumstances police have described as a suspected suicide by hanging. His death came only hours after a fresh warrant was issued for his arrest.

Now, instead of focusing solely on alleged corruption involving millions in international kickbacks, the national conversation has shifted toward whether investigative authorities themselves crossed legal and ethical boundaries while pursuing the case.

Before his death, Chandrasena submitted a controversial affidavit claiming he was subjected to severe psychological pressure by senior CIABOC officials. In the document, he alleged he was threatened and pressured to implicate Mahinda Rajapaksa and MP Namal Rajapaksa in the bribery scandal.

Most explosively, Chandrasena claimed the intimidation became so unbearable that it triggered suicidal thoughts. Those allegations have now cast a long shadow over tomorrow’s proceedings.

The Rajapaksa camp has seized on the affidavit to challenge the legitimacy of the investigation. SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam and other allies argue the former CEO may have been psychologically broken by investigators attempting to secure politically damaging testimony.

That narrative threatens to undermine what had been shaping into one of the country’s most significant corruption prosecutions in years.

Investigators allege Chandrasena previously confessed that Rs. 60 million was paid to Mahinda Rajapaksa and Rs. 20 million to former Civil Aviation Minister Piyankara Jayaratne from funds linked to Airbus bribes. However, legal analysts warn those statements could now face major admissibility challenges because the witness is no longer alive to testify in court or face cross-examination.

Tomorrow’s events could therefore become a defining moment not only for the Airbus case but also for public confidence in Sri Lanka’s justice system.

If Rajapaksa strongly denies the allegations while highlighting Chandrasena’s affidavit, political momentum could shift dramatically against investigators. On the other hand, if CIABOC produces corroborating financial evidence or fresh testimony, the investigation may regain credibility despite losing its principal witness.

Adding to the uncertainty, the final forensic report into Chandrasena’s death is also expected tomorrow. The findings may determine whether the country views the tragedy as a personal collapse under legal pressure or as the turning point that fundamentally changed the course of Sri Lanka’s most explosive corruption scandal.

May 12, Colombo (LNW): Efforts to deepen political and democratic cooperation between India and Sri Lanka received fresh momentum following a high-level meeting in New Delhi between Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and a visiting Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation led by Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj.

The discussions, held at Parliament House, focused on expanding collaboration between the legislatures of the two neighbouring nations, with particular emphasis on empowering women in governance and public leadership.

Sharing details of the meeting on social media platform X, Om Birla noted that both sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral engagement through closer parliamentary interaction and institutional cooperation. He highlighted the enduring historical and cultural relationship between India and Sri Lanka, describing the partnership as one rooted in shared democratic traditions and longstanding regional ties.

Pleased to meet H.E. Ms. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka along with the women Parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka at the Parliament House and engage with the distinguished members on strengthening bilateral ties and… pic.twitter.com/t1t15l0SE7

— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) May 11, 2026

According to officials familiar with the discussions, the meeting also explored avenues to enhance women’s participation in policymaking, leadership roles and national development initiatives. The delegation reportedly discussed the growing importance of inclusive governance and the need to create stronger opportunities for women to contribute to decision-making at every level of government.

Birla emphasised that parliamentary diplomacy continues to serve as an important bridge between nations, helping to promote democratic values, mutual understanding and regional stability. He further observed that stronger exchanges between lawmakers can pave the way for broader cooperation in areas such as education, social welfare and gender equality.

The Sri Lankan delegation welcomed India’s continued engagement with regional partners and expressed appreciation for ongoing cooperation in parliamentary training, democratic governance and women’s empowerment programmes.

Political observers say the meeting reflects a broader effort by both countries to reinforce people-to-people connections while advancing collaboration on democratic reforms and inclusive development across South Asia.

May 12, Colombo (LNW): After years of delay and repeated calls for reform, the long-awaited amendments to the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980 have finally been tabled in Parliament, marking one of the most significant environmental policy shifts in recent decades.

The revised legislation, prepared with input from environmental advocates, legal specialists and university academics, is expected to be taken up for parliamentary debate shortly. Officials say the updated framework is designed to modernise the country’s environmental governance structure while addressing growing concerns over pollution, industrial accountability and ecological degradation.

Built around the government’s “A Sustainable Biosphere – A Green Life” policy direction, the proposed law seeks to strengthen environmental justice mechanisms and reinforce long-term protections for natural ecosystems and biodiversity.

Among the most notable changes is the introduction of legally binding environmental duties for local authorities. Under the new provisions, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) will gain broader powers to take legal action against municipal and regional bodies that fail to implement environmental regulations or ignore official directives.

Courts will also be granted stronger enforcement authority. Magistrates may impose heavier penalties on institutions that violate environmental orders, while industries breaching Environmental Protection Licence conditions or failing to manage serious environmental risks could face immediate suspension of operations, licence cancellations or temporary shutdowns.

The amendments further tighten oversight of hazardous waste and chemical management by introducing dedicated regulatory sections supported by technical advisory committees. Authorities say this move is aimed at preventing large-scale environmental damage and improving public safety standards.

In addition, submitting misleading information during Environmental Impact Assessments or making unauthorised alterations to approved development projects will become criminal offences under the proposed law. Strategic Environmental Assessments are also set to become compulsory in national policy planning, ensuring future development initiatives are assessed through a scientific and sustainability-focused lens before implementation.

The legislation also introduces more contemporary environmental principles, including Extended Producer Responsibility, which requires manufacturers to take greater responsibility for the disposal and environmental impact of their products throughout their entire life cycle. Separate legal protections for wetlands and ecologically sensitive zones have also been incorporated into the draft law.

The proposed reforms were formally outlined during a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information. The event was attended by Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi, Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody and several senior state officials and environmental administrators, who described the amendments as a “turning point” in the country’s environmental policy framework.

May 12, Colombo (LNW): Justice M.T. Mohamed Laffar officially commenced duties as Sri Lanka’s Consul General-designate in Jeddah this week, beginning his diplomatic role with a ceremonial event held at the Consulate General premises in Saudi Arabia.

The occasion, attended by consular officials and staff members, marked the formal start of his tenure representing Sri Lanka in the Kingdom’s western region, home to a significant Sri Lankan expatriate community.

Addressing officials following the ceremony, Justice Laffar stressed the importance of delivering efficient consular assistance and strengthening welfare services for Sri Lankan workers and residents living in Jeddah and surrounding areas. He also highlighted the need to deepen commercial cooperation between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the areas of trade, investment and labour relations.

With more than three decades in the judiciary, Justice Laffar enters the diplomatic service with extensive legal and administrative experience. Prior to his appointment, he served as Acting President of the Court of Appeal and previously held the post of Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission. He has also contributed to legal education as a visiting lecturer at Sri Lanka Law College.

His judicial career has been widely recognised for its emphasis on efficiency and reducing delays within the legal system. In one notable instance in 2007, he reportedly delivered 120 court orders and judgments in a single day, an achievement regarded as exceptional within the judiciary.

Justice Laffar is an alumnus of the University of Peradeniya, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, and later earned his law degree from the Open University of Sri Lanka. He qualified as an Attorney-at-Law through Sri Lanka Law College and received his early education at Vivekananda National School in Colombo and Al Mubarak National School in Malwana.

May 12, Colombo (LNW): The government has granted approval for the next stage of the Central Expressway project, with the Rambukkana–Galagedara segment set to move forward under a fully state-funded investment plan valued at Rs. 112 billion.

Transport and Highways Minister Bimal Rathnayake announced that the entire cost of the project will be borne by the Treasury, eliminating the need for fresh external borrowing at a time when Sri Lanka is seeking to stabilise its economy and reduce dependence on foreign debt.

Describing the decision as a major turning point for national infrastructure development, the minister said the project reflected growing financial confidence and improved fiscal management by the government over the past year and a half.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Rathnayake noted that a project once considered financially out of reach had now become achievable due to what he described as disciplined economic planning and strategic intervention by the Finance Ministry.

The Rambukkana–Galagedara section is regarded as one of the most important components of the Central Expressway network, which is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Colombo and Kandy while improving transport efficiency for trade, tourism and regional development.

Officials say the new phase is also expected to generate employment opportunities during construction and ease traffic congestion along existing road corridors connecting the hill country to the Western Province.

May 12, Colombo (LNW): Persistent downpours affecting several parts of the island have caused a large number of reservoirs under the Department of Irrigation to exceed capacity, prompting authorities to issue warnings to communities living downstream and in low-lying regions.

According to Director of Irrigation (Water Management) Engineer H.M.P.S.D. Herath, 16 major reservoirs and 10 medium-scale tanks are currently spilling as water levels continue to rise following days of intense rainfall.

Among the major reservoirs affected are Rajanganaya in Anuradhapura, Sorabora Wewa in Badulla, and several key reservoirs in Hambantota District including Lunugamwehera, Weerawila and Weheragala. Additional spillovers have also been reported at Deduru Oya and Magalla reservoirs in Kurunegala, as well as Nalanda and Wemadilla reservoirs in the Central Province.

Officials stated that the Kala Wewa catchment area has received exceptionally heavy rainfall in recent days, leading to significant inflows into Rajanganaya, Dewahuwa and Wemadilla reservoirs. As a precautionary measure, 12 spill gates of the Rajanganaya Reservoir have been opened, discharging nearly 18,500 cubic feet of water per second.

In the southern region, continuous rain within the Kirindi Oya Basin has caused several reservoirs to overflow simultaneously, including Lunugamwehera, Tissa Wewa, Yodha Wewa and Alikota Ara. Authorities confirmed that six spill gates at Lunugamwehera have been opened to release approximately 7,100 cubic feet of water per second, while Weheragala Reservoir is currently releasing more than 2,400 cubic feet per second into the Menik Ganga.

Several medium-sized reservoirs, including Angamuwa, Bomburuella, Saddhatissa and Marathamadu, have also reached spill level as inflows continue to increase.

May 12, Colombo (LNW): The government has unveiled plans to grant an additional fertiliser subsidy to small-scale tea cultivators as authorities move to cushion the agricultural sector from mounting global economic pressures.

Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne said the Treasury has already released the required funds for the programme, which is expected to benefit thousands of tea smallholders across the country.

Speaking on the rising cost of agricultural imports, the Minister explained that international fertiliser prices have continued to climb due to ongoing global instability, coupled with escalating freight charges and higher maritime insurance costs. Despite the increase in expenses, he assured that Sri Lanka would maintain uninterrupted fertiliser supplies for farmers.

He noted that while the country currently possesses adequate stocks, import costs are likely to rise further in the coming months as global supply chains remain under strain.

Vidyaratne also pointed out that the administration had earlier introduced financial assistance for paddy farmers, granting an additional allowance of Rs. 5,000 per hectare for cultivation lands up to two hectares. Under that scheme, eligible farmers could receive a maximum benefit of Rs. 10,000.

According to the Minister, a similar approach is now being extended to the tea sector, with small-scale tea estate owners set to receive an extra Rs. 5,000 subsidy to offset the impact of rising fertiliser prices and operational costs.

He added that the government’s objective is to shield farmers from severe financial hardship while safeguarding agricultural production during a period of heightened international uncertainty.

May 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have detained 198 foreign nationals in a series of coordinated operations carried out across Galle, Hikkaduwa and Midigama, following allegations of large-scale cybercrime activities targeting individuals overseas.

Police stated that the group comprised 173 Indian citizens and 25 Nepalese nationals, many of whom were allegedly operating from rented accommodation and guesthouses in the Southern Province. Investigators suspect the network had been involved in sophisticated online scams and other offences linked to computer-related crime.

Among those arrested were 110 Indian nationals taken into custody during raids at two lodges located in the Galwadugoda and Sri Sumedha Mawatha areas of Galle. The operation was led by officers attached to the Galle Police, who had reportedly been conducting surveillance for several days before moving in.

The suspects, believed to be between the ages of 19 and 35, are currently being questioned by investigators. During the searches, police seized a large quantity of electronic equipment, including 58 laptop and desktop computers along with 79 mobile telephones suspected to have been used in the alleged operations.

May 12, Colombo (LNW): Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa attended the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier today to record a statement in connection with an ongoing inquiry into SriLankan Airlines’ aircraft acquisition programme.

The investigation centres on claims surrounding the 2013 purchase of Airbus aircraft for the national carrier, including allegations that a payment amounting to US$2 million had been made as part of the transaction. The Bribery Commission had recently issued a notice requesting Rajapaksa’s appearance before investigators.

Reports also indicate that former Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne has been instructed to appear before the Commission as the inquiry widens.

Meanwhile, Rajapaksa’s media spokesperson and legal representative, Attorney Manoj Gamage, said a panel of lawyers is expected to examine several legal aspects linked to the summons. According to Gamage, the case appears to rely heavily on a statement allegedly made by the late former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Kapila Chandrasena.

He further contended that Chandrasena had previously filed an affidavit before court asserting that his confession had been extracted through intimidation and pressure. Gamage argued that any legal action based entirely on such a statement would raise serious concerns regarding due process and admissibility.

May 12, Colombo (LNW): The low pressure area located northeast of the Sri Lanka continues to persist in the sea area vicinity of island, and due to the influence of this system, the current rainy conditions in the island are expected to continue for the next few days, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (12).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in most parts of the island and Cloudy skies are expected.

Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western and Northern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damage caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.