Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena Found Dead

Law

Sri Lanka

Kapila Chandrasena, the former CEO of SriLankan Airlines who was facing corruption charges related to an Airbus aircraft purchase, was found dead at a relative's home in Colombo on Friday.

Key points

  • Chandrasena had been released on bail earlier in the week after being remanded in March over a $16 million bribery case.
  • Police reported that the former executive died by hanging, though investigations into the circumstances are ongoing.
  • The case involved allegations of kickbacks during a $2.3 billion aircraft deal, with claims that bribes were paid to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
  • A warrant for his arrest had been issued on Thursday due to alleged violations of his bail conditions.

Why it matters

The death of a key figure in a high-profile corruption case involving a former head of state complicates ongoing efforts by the current government to prosecute past political corruption.

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