The final rites of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena were conducted this evening (10) at the Borella General Cemetery.

Chandrasena’s body was found on May 8 at a residence in Colpetty.

Police had initially stated that the death was suspected to be a case of hanging, while investigations into the incident have now been handed over to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

Meanwhile, a five-member panel of specialist judicial medical officers headed by Colombo Chief Judicial Medical Officer Dr. Sriyantha Amararatne was appointed to conduct the post-mortem examination.

The appointment was made following an order issued by Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara.

Accordingly, the post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday (09) at the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology in Colombo.

Police further stated that body samples had been obtained for laboratory analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

Former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena died under suspicious circumstances while a case is being heard in relation to the controversial Airbus deal.

A warrant was issued by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court to arrest Chandrasena and produce before the court.

He had previously been remanded for 54 days in connection with the alleged acceptance of USD 2 million in bribes linked to the controversial Airbus deal in 2013, and was granted bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on May 05.

At the time, the Magistrate ordered that the suspect be released on a cash bail of Rs. 500,000 and three sureties of Rs. 1 million each.

However, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) later informed the court through a motion that Chandrasena had allegedly paid two individuals Rs. 15,000 each to appear as bail signatories and furnish the sureties of Rs. 1 million each.

After considering the request made by the Bribery Commission to remand Kapila Chandrasena until the conclusion of the trial for breach of bail conditions, the Magistrate issued another warrant for his arrest.