Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena Found Dead Under Suspicious Circumstances

09-May-2026

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Former Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at a residence in the Kollupitiya area, and his body was recovered on the morning of May 8.

His death has occurred shortly after the Colombo Magistrate’s Court cancelled his bail on 07 May, in connection with the controversial Airbus procurement corruption case.

Chandrasena had been accused of accepting approximately USD 2 million as a bribe during the 2013 aircraft purchase deal between SriLankan Airlines and France-based Airbus. He had been arrested by anti-corruption investigators and was held in remand custody for an extended period while investigations continued.

On May 5, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court granted him bail under strict conditions. However, police investigations conducted by the Wellawatte Police regarding the two sureties revealed that they did not even know Kapila Chandrasena personally and had allegedly signed bail documents after receiving Rs 15,000 each.

When the case was taken up again on 07 May, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court cancelled the bail granted to the accused and issued a warrant directing his immediate arrest and production before court.

Following the court order, police were taking steps to arrest him, when Chandrasena was found dead at his residence in Kollupitiya on the following morning.

Kollupitiya Police have commenced further investigations into the death, and arrangements have been made for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause.