The Colombo Fort Magistrate has expressed dissatisfaction over the progress of investigations into the mobile phone of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, who died under suspicious circumstances.

The remarks were made when the magisterial inquiry into Chandrasena’s death was taken up before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today.

Police informed court that Government Analyst reports on unidentified substances recovered from the scene of the death, as well as the post-mortem report, are yet to be received.

When questioned by Magistrate Pasan Amarasena on the progress of the mobile phone investigation, police said the device had been referred to overseas institutions to facilitate the necessary forensic examinations.

In May, the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) informed court that Chandrasena’s iPhone 16 Pro Max could not be unlocked as it was protected by Apple’s Face ID security system. Investigators said attempts to unlock the device using the deceased’s face had failed, prompting authorities to seek assistance from Apple Inc. through the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to gain access to the phone as part of the investigation.

Responding to the latest update, the Magistrate noted that police had given the same explanation two weeks earlier and said he was not satisfied with the progress of the investigation.

“You told the court the same thing two weeks ago. I am not satisfied with the progress of this investigation. Expedite the inquiry,” the Magistrate told investigators in open court.

The Magistrate also issued fresh reminders for the Government Analyst’s reports and the post-mortem findings to be submitted and directed police to report the progress of the investigation on August 19. (Newswire)

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Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena today ordered the issuance of an open warrant against Priyanka Niyomali Wijenayake, wife of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Airbus transaction.

The order was made after submissions by an officer of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) during the hearing. Since a warrant had already been issued against the second suspect, the CID requested that an open warrant be issued in English, which the Magistrate approved.

At the same hearing, the President’s Counsel appearing on behalf of former cricketer Aravinda de Silva and his wife Priyangi Anushka Wijenayake, who had stood as sureties for Priyanka Niyomali, requested that they be released from their surety obligations as they needed to travel abroad. He also informed the court that the bail money of Rs. 10 million could be confiscated.

The Magistrate, after reviewing the case file, clarified that the bail amount deposited was not Rs. 10 million but Rs. 20 million, and that before confiscation, reasons must be submitted in writing to court. 

Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered that the two sureties be released from their obligations and directed that written reasons for confiscating the bail money be submitted to court.

The case is scheduled to be called again on July 22. It was also noted in court that the first suspect in the case, former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, has since passed away. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has issued summons to President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsekularatne and Attorney Udara Muhandiramge to testify in the ongoing death investigation of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena.

Colombo Fort Chief Magistrate Pasan Amarasena today directed the two lawyers to appear in court on June 5 to provide evidence, designating them as the 19th and 20th witnesses in the case.

During proceedings, the Colombo Crimes Division informed the court that arrangements are being made through the Ministry of Justice to send the deceased’s mobile phone to Apple Inc. in the United States via the FBI for examination. 

The court also granted permission to hand over a green belt found at Chandrasena’s residence to the Government Analyst for testing.

The Magistrate further ordered that, under Section 126 of the Evidence Ordinance and Supreme Court Law No. 31, any advice or communications given to the late Chandrasena or his witnesses should not be disclosed.

The case was adjourned until June 5 for further hearings. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has announced that it will deliver an order on June 2 regarding whether President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsekularatne and Attorney Udara Muhandiramge should be summoned to give evidence in the magistrate’s inquiry into the mysterious death of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena.

The inquiry was taken up before Magistrate Pasan Amarasena today, where both lawyers appeared in court. Their counsel explained that although no summons had been issued, they were present out of respect for the court following media reports.

Bar Association of Sri Lanka President Rajeev Amarasuriya requested the court to consider whether their testimony was necessary under Section 370(5) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, stressing that lawyers are bound to protect the confidentiality of advisory matters with clients. 

The Magistrate then questioned police officials, who confirmed that statements had been recorded from the two lawyers. 

The Colombo Crimes Division informed the court that investigations had revealed Chandrasena was released on bail on May 6, but a fresh warrant was issued on May 7. That evening, a group visited the residence of Aravinda de Silva before proceeding to Rienzie Arsekularatne’s official residence for discussions.

Police further disclosed that a conversation between Chandrasena and Rienzie Arsekularatne had taken place via the mobile phone of de Silva’s wife, and investigators are seeking to establish the content of that exchange. 

The Magistrate said the decision on whether the two lawyers will be called to testify will be announced on June 2. He advised them to appear if summons are issued. Two other witnesses were also instructed to be present on that date.

The Colombo Crimes Division reported that further investigations are underway using CCTV footage and telephone call records. (Newswire)

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Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva today (20) ordered the release on bail of four suspects linked to allegations of receiving money to stand as sureties for the late former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena.

The suspects were released on two personal bails of Rs. 500,000 each, with one suspect also subjected to a foreign travel ban. 

The Magistrate directed that Grama Niladhari certificates confirming the residence of the sureties be submitted to the court, along with proof of assets.

The Keselwatta Police informed the court that between January and May 2026, two suspects had obtained 17 Grama Sevaka certificates in connection with the case. 

The Attorney appearing for the suspects argued that his clients had been remanded without specific charges being presented. 

After considering submissions, the Magistrate ordered their release and fixed the case to be called again on June 25. (Newswire)

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Investigations into the mysterious death of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena have revealed that no CCTV footage was recorded at either his residence or the house where he died, the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.

Reporting progress before Magistrate Pasan Amarasena, CCD officials said that although the residence had two vehicle entrances, CCTV checks confirmed that between May 5 and May 7, 2026, no external person entered the premises. They added that the cameras installed at both locations had not captured any footage.

Police told the court that the engineer of the company responsible for installing the CCTV systems was summoned to testify, while digital video recorder (DVR) devices from the cameras have been taken into custody and sent to the Government Analyst for examination.

Unidentified medicines found at the scene, including two types of tablets, nine strips of one and eleven strips of another, have also been referred to the Government Analyst.

The CCD further noted that telephone records between Chandrasena and domestic staff are being sought, though time constraints delayed their retrieval. Fresh affidavits will be filed to obtain the data.

During proceedings, the Magistrate questioned why two individuals who had previously stood surety for Chandrasena had not yet been called as witnesses. 

Police replied that statements had not been recorded, prompting the Magistrate to stress that witnesses must be summoned regardless, especially if they are in remand custody.

Several witnesses were produced in court today (19), but the Magistrate directed that unnecessary witnesses be released and adjourned further inquiry into the case. (Newswire)

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An individual alleged to have acted as the mediator linking the two individuals who stood as sureties on a paid basis for the late former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena has been arrested. 

According to the Police Media Division, the individual has been arrested by the Keselwatte Police. 

On May 07, two individuals were remanded over an alleged attempt to falsely stand as bail sureties for Kapila Chandrasena, who was in remand custody in connection with the Airbus aircraft deal related to SriLankan Airlines. 

According to court submissions, the two suspects had appeared as bailers after allegedly receiving Rs. 15,000 each. Police investigations later found that the suspects had no permanent employment or stable income source.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court was also informed that the suspects did not personally know Kapila Chandrasena. Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva ordered the suspects remanded until May 13 and directed authorities to investigate how Grama Niladhari certificates had been obtained for the bail application.

The arrests were made by the Keselwatta Police following a complaint by court officials over suspicious circumstances surrounding the bail process.

Thereafter, Kapila Chandrasena was ordered to be arrested and produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court after the Bribery Commission sought the cancellation of his bail. 

However, on May 08, former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena was found dead, reportedly in a suspicious manner at a residence in Colpetty. 

Investigations into the suspicious death of Kapila Chandrasena have been handed over to the Colombo Crimes Division. (Newswire)

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Investigations into the suspicious death of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena have been handed over to the Colombo Crimes Division, it was reported.

According to the Divaina newspaper, a five‑member panel of specialist doctors led by Colombo Chief Judicial Medical Officer Dr. Sriyantha Amarathna conducted the post‑mortem on May 9. 

Samples of blood, urine, tissue, organs, and hair were sent to the Government Analyst for chemical testing to determine the exact cause of death. Police said the medical board will issue its findings once the full report is available.

Chandrasena, who had been remanded for nearly two months over alleged fraud in aircraft purchases, was released on bail last week. Controversy soon arose when it was revealed that the guarantors who posted bail were paid individuals with no connection to him. Keselwatta Police arrested two of them, who admitted they had acted as guarantors for money. On May 7, the Bribery Commission petitioned the court to cancel Chandrasena’s bail, citing violations of bail conditions, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The former airline chief was later found dead in a room at the Colpetty residence of ex‑cricketer Aravinda de Silva. Police said he had been staying there due to family ties through his wife. Though the death appeared to be by hanging, investigators suspected foul play and ordered a wider probe. Statements were recorded from de Silva, his wife, and several others present at the house. Chandrasena’s mobile phone was also seized for analysis of recent calls.

Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said that the samples were sent to the Government Analyst to establish the precise cause of death. The Police stated that the investigation will continue until all circumstances surrounding Chandrasena’s death are clarified. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam today raised serious concerns over the death of Kapila Chandrasena, questioning whether it was a suicide, murder, or a case of being forced to take his own life.

Addressing the media, Kariyawasam claimed that Chandrasena had recently become a controversial figure after allegedly providing an affidavit to court detailing threats made against him.

According to Kariyawasam, the affidavit stated that Chandrasena had been taken to the office of the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), where he was allegedly threatened by the Director General, Ranga Dissanayake.

Kariyawasam alleged that Chandrasena had claimed he was warned to comply with certain demands or face a similar fate to another individual connected to a case involving former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

The SLPP General Secretary further claimed that Chandrasena’s affidavit had revealed attempts to implicate former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and MP Namal Rajapaksa in legal proceedings through him.

Kariyawasam also questioned how Chandrasena, who had reportedly been in remand custody, had managed to secure two bail guarantors. He called for an immediate investigation into who introduced the guarantors and whether any prison officials or CIABOC officials were involved.

He urged the courts to examine CCTV footage and conduct a full inquiry into the process through which the guarantors were provided.

Kariyawasam claimed there was growing public suspicion surrounding the incident and said the circumstances of Chandrasena’s death could not be dismissed as a simple suicide.

He further alleged that several recent incidents involving complainants and suspects had raised serious concerns regarding the rule of law and the protection of suspects’ rights in the country.

Kariyawasam called for an independent investigation and urged authorities to reveal the truth to the public, stressing that Sri Lanka is a democratic country where even suspects are entitled to legal protections and rights. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police today reported to the Fort Magistrate’s Court that former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena has died under suspicious circumstances.

His body was discovered this morning at a residence on Pedris Road, Colpetty. Police said he was found in a bedroom, while the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer and Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara visited the scene to conduct inquiries.

Police informed the court that the incident is being treated as a suspicious death, with investigations underway under the supervision of Western Province Senior DIG Sajeeva Medawatta and Colombo DIG Nishantha Soysa.

Chandrasena had faced longstanding corruption allegations. In 2013, he and his wife were accused of accepting a US$2 million bribe linked to the purchase of six Airbus A‑330 and eight A‑350 aircraft for SriLankan Airlines. The Criminal Investigation Department later investigated the matter under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, arresting the couple in 2020 before releasing them on bail.

The Bribery Commission also launched a probe, leading to Chandrasena’s re‑arrest on March 12 this year. During proceedings, officials told court he had admitted to distributing Rs. 20 million to then Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne and Rs. 60 million to then President Mahinda Rajapaksa from the alleged bribe. His counsel, however, claimed the statement was obtained under duress. Both Rajapaksa and Jayaratne were summoned to appear on May 12 to record statements.

Chandrasena was released on bail on May 5 after 54 days in remand, on conditions including a Rs. 500,000 cash bail and three sureties of Rs. 1 million each. Police later found that two individuals had been fraudulently presented as relatives to meet bail conditions, leading to their arrest.

On May 7, the Colombo Chief Magistrate issued a fresh warrant for Chandrasena’s re‑arrest, citing violation of bail conditions and breach of court trust. (Newswire)

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Former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena was found dead at a residence in Colpetty on Friday (08), in a dramatic development that comes amid ongoing investigations into one of Sri Lanka’s biggest aviation corruption scandals.

Police spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said Chandrasena is suspected to have died by suicide, while the Colpetty Police have launched further investigations into the incident.

His death comes just days after fresh legal complications in the long-running Airbus bribery case, including attempts by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to revoke his bail.

• From engineer to airline chief

Kapila Chandrasena was a well-known figure in Sri Lanka’s aviation and corporate sectors.

An engineer by profession, he previously served in senior positions at SriLankan Airlines before becoming Chief Executive Officer of the national carrier. He also served as CEO of Mihin Lanka, the now-defunct budget airline launched during the Rajapaksa administration.

However, it was the Airbus aircraft procurement deal during his tenure at SriLankan Airlines that ultimately placed him at the center of an international corruption investigation.

• What is the Airbus controversy?

The Airbus scandal is linked to aircraft purchases made by SriLankan Airlines during the previous Rajapaksa administration.

The deal became globally controversial after aircraft manufacturer Airbus admitted in a UK court in 2020 that it had paid massive bribes in several countries, including Sri Lanka, to secure aircraft contracts.

According to international investigations, a Sri Lankan intermediary company allegedly received millions of dollars in secret payments connected to aircraft purchases made by SriLankan Airlines.

Sri Lankan investigators later alleged that Chandrasena solicited and accepted a USD 2 million bribe in connection with the Airbus deal.

Investigative material submitted by the CID to the Attorney General’s Department had further revealed that a Standard Chartered Bank account maintained in Singapore under Biz Solutions — a company where Priyanka Neomali Wijenayaka was listed as the sole director and shareholder — had allegedly received a payment of USD 2 million from the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) N.V., the parent company of Airbus SAS, in December 2013.

According to investigators, the funds — estimated at around Rs. 363 million — are alleged to have been linked to the controversial aircraft procurement deal involving SriLankan Airlines.

Chandrasena was first arrested in 2020 and later released on bail.

Earlier this year, CIABOC arrested Chandrasena again over allegations that he solicited and accepted the bribe in exchange for ensuring Sri Lanka purchased Airbus aircraft at inflated prices.

• U.S. sanctions and corruption designation

The case drew international attention in 2023 when the United States imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on Chandrasena.

The U.S. State Department publicly designated him under Section 7031(c) for “significant corruption,” alleging that he accepted bribes while serving as CEO of SriLankan Airlines in exchange for facilitating overpriced Airbus purchases.

The sanctions also extended to his immediate family members, barring them from entering the United States.

• Allegations involving political figures

The Airbus investigation intensified in March after CIABOC informed court that Chandrasena had allegedly stated that part of the funds received through the Airbus deal had been distributed to senior political figures.

According to court submissions, Chandrasena allegedly claimed that:

Rs. 60 million was paid to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on three separate occasions.

Rs. 20 million was allegedly paid to former Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne.

Following those revelations, both Rajapaksa and Jayaratne were summoned to appear before CIABOC on May 12 to record statements.

However, Chandrasena later retracted the allegations through an affidavit released by his lawyers.

In the affidavit, he claimed his statement to CIABOC had been obtained under intimidation and pressure. He alleged investigators threatened him with arrest and pressured him to mention the names of Mahinda Rajapaksa, MP Namal Rajapaksa, and his wife.

He further claimed he was denied access to his lawyer while the statement was being recorded.

CIABOC has not publicly responded in detail to those allegations.

• Arrest warrants and expanding probe

The investigation widened further when the Colombo Magistrate’s Court issued open warrants against:

Shamindra Rajapaksa, son of former minister Chamal Rajapaksa and a former SriLankan Airlines board member.

Priyanka Neomali Wijenayaka, who authorities say is absconding.

The warrants were issued after both failed to appear before court in relation to proceedings connected to the Airbus probe.

The court also directed Sri Lankan airports and immigration authorities to arrest them if they entered the country.

• Bail controversy days before death

Just days before Chandrasena’s death, another controversy emerged after he was granted bail by court.

Two individuals were arrested after allegedly appearing in court as fake bail sureties for Chandrasena in exchange for Rs. 15,000 each.

Police told court the suspects did not personally know Chandrasena and had allegedly used questionable documentation, including Grama Niladhari certificates, during the bail process.

The suspects were remanded pending further investigations.

Meanwhile, CIABOC had moved to cancel Chandrasena’s bail, leading the Colombo Magistrate’s Court to order that he be arrested and produced before court again.

It was against this backdrop that Chandrasena was found dead on Friday, with police suspecting suicide. (Newswire)

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Two individuals who attempted to place bail for former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, remanded in connection with the Airbus bribery scandal, were arrested on Tuesday (05), it was reported.

It is reported that according to the Police, the suspects, residents of Sanchi Arachchiwatta near the Aluthkade court complex, were taken into custody by Keselwatta Police and produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

The Magistrate ordered that the suspects be remanded until May 13.

The Court was informed that the suspects did not personally know Chandrasena but had appeared as bailers after receiving Rs. 15,000 each. 

The Police said the arrests followed a complaint by court officials after suspicious circumstances arose during the bail application. Investigations revealed that the suspects had no permanent employment or source of income. 

Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva directed that they be remanded for further inquiries and ordered a report on how they obtained Grama Niladhari certificates for bail purposes. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (05) ordered the release on bail of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, who had been in remand custody over allegations of accepting a US$2 million bribe during the purchase of Airbus aircraft.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama delivered the order, directing that Chandrasena be released on cash bail of Rs. 500,000 and three sureties of Rs. 10 million each. The Magistrate also imposed a travel ban on the suspect.

The bail application was submitted at the previous hearing on April 28 by President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne, appearing on behalf of Chandrasena. Officials representing the Bribery Commission opposed the request.

After considering submissions from both sides, the Magistrate announced the bail order this morning. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (April 17) rejected the bail application of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, who is currently in remand custody over allegations of accepting bribes during the purchase of Airbus aircraft for the national carrier.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the order after reviewing submissions made by officials of the Bribery Commission and the suspect’s legal team.

The court directed that Chandrasena remain in remand custody until April 28, extending his detention as investigations continue into the high‑profile case. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has rejected the bail request of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, who is being held in remand prison in connection with the incident of allegedly receiving a bribe during the purchase of Airbus aircraft.

Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered that Kapila Chandrasena be further remanded until April 17, stating that no special reasons had been revealed to grant bail.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued this order after considering the submissions made by officials of the Bribery Commission and the suspect’s lawyers.

On March 12, Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena was arrested by the Bribery Commission over the alleged acceptance of a USD 2 million bribe linked to the Airbus aircraft deal. (Newswire)

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Former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena has claimed that a sum of Rs. 60 million was paid to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa from funds received through the Airbus deal, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed the court today (19).

The disclosure was made when CIABOC presented facts before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court during proceedings related to the ongoing Airbus bribery investigation.

According to the submission, Chandrasena had stated that the Rs. 60 million was paid to the former President on three separate occasions.

He has also reportedly claimed that a further Rs. 20 million was paid to former Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne.

After considering the facts presented, the Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered that Chandrasena be remanded until April 2.

Chandrasena was earlier arrested by CIABOC over allegations that he had solicited and accepted a bribe of USD 2 million in connection with the Airbus deal.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing. (Newswire)

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