The United States has imposed sanctions on Kapila Chandrasena, the former CEO of SriLankan Airlines, as part of a broader anti-corruption initiative. Chandrasena, who led the airline from 2011 to 2015, was among 14 individuals designated for sanctions on December 9, 2024, coinciding with International Anti-Corruption Day.
According to a media release from the US State Department, Chandrasena was sanctioned under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The department cited his involvement in significant corruption, specifically accepting a bribe in his capacity as CEO to facilitate Sri Lanka’s purchase of Airbus aircraft at inflated prices. The designation extends to members of his immediate family.
The investigation revealed that the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company N.V., Airbus’s parent company, had transferred $2 million to a bank account in Singapore controlled by Chandrasena’s wife, Priyanka Neomali Wijenayake. These funds were later moved to Chandrasena’s account in Australia.
The corrupt transactions led to inquiries by Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigations Department and the UK Serious Fraud Office, culminating in legal proceedings. This case was also part of a broader $ 3.78 billion)settlement reached in early 2020 between Airbus and regulatory authorities in the US, UK, and France. Reports indicate that Chandrasena’s actions caused losses of approximately $58.5 million to SriLankan Airlines during his tenure.
The State Department emphasized that these sanctions underscore the United States’ dedication to holding corrupt individuals accountable and supporting the principles of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The penalties include the freezing of any assets Chandrasena holds within the United States and a ban on his entry into the country.
This action highlights the international commitment to addressing corruption and its far-reaching impacts on global governance and accountability.
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