Transparency International Sri Lanka has expressed “grave concern” over the death of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, warning that the incident could severely impact accountability efforts linked to the high-profile Airbus corruption case.
In a statement issued today, TISL said the sudden death of a key individual connected to the ongoing Airbus prosecution represented a “serious setback” to the pursuit of truth, accountability and justice.
The anti-corruption watchdog stressed that the Government has a responsibility to ensure the integrity of the justice process and protect individuals connected to high-profile investigations and legal proceedings.
Chandrasena was found dead at a residence in Colpetty on Friday (08). Police spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said the death is suspected to be a suicide, while investigations are ongoing.
TISL noted with concern that Chandrasena’s death came immediately after he had been granted bail and after a subsequent arrest warrant had been issued against him in connection with the Airbus bribery probe.
“Regardless of the circumstances surrounding his death, the outcome is deeply damaging to the justice process,” TISL said.
The organization warned that deaths occurring during high-stakes corruption litigation could potentially be viewed as obstruction of justice if foul play were later established.
TISL also said the death could prevent the public from learning the full extent of alleged systemic corruption linked to the Airbus aircraft procurement deal involving SriLankan Airlines.
The organization further highlighted concerns regarding the safety and vulnerability of persons connected to grand corruption prosecutions, stressing that the State has a heightened duty to ensure accountability processes do not collapse before justice is delivered.
Calling for a “full, transparent and credible investigation” into the circumstances surrounding Chandrasena’s death, TISL urged authorities to ensure that the Airbus corruption probe continues “without obstruction or delay.”
Chandrasena had been a central figure in the long-running Airbus bribery investigation, which involves allegations that bribes were paid in connection with aircraft purchases made by SriLankan Airlines during the previous Rajapaksa administration.
The former airline chief had previously been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over allegations that he solicited and accepted a USD 2 million bribe linked to the deal. (Newswire)
