Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena was discovered dead on May 8 at a relative's residence in Kollupitiya, with initial investigations strongly pointing to suicide. The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) immediately took charge of the probe into his death, which occurred between 4 AM and 5 AM that morning.
Chandrasena's body was found at the Kollupitiya residence of his wife's sister, Priyangi Anushka Wijenaike, and her husband, former cricketer Aravinda de Silva, located on 5th Lane. He was in a seated position on the second floor, with his head resting on a chair. Evidence at the scene included a belt tied to the bathroom door and a broken piece of a belt on the deceased's neck, suggesting hanging as the method.
Investigators suspect the suicide was pre-planned, as the belt used was reportedly brought from Chandrasena's Barnes Place residence to the Kollupitiya house by a servant on May 7, the day before his death. Statements have been recorded from this servant, among approximately 15 individuals questioned by the CCD, including Aravinda de Silva and his wife. It was also revealed that Chandrasena had a discussion with lawyers the day before his body was discovered.
An inquest into Chandrasena's death commenced on May 12 at the Fort Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Pasan Amarasena. During the proceedings, Aravinda de Silva testified that Chandrasena had expressed significant distress on the night of the incident, stating twice, "I've only been out for a day. These people are trying to put me back inside." This referred to his recent release on bail after being remanded in connection with the Airbus deal. De Silva further informed the court that he had attempted to assist Chandrasena with legal aid and arrangements for bail sureties, noting Chandrasena's reluctance to return to custody due to issues with his bail sureties. The court granted the CCD's request to send Chandrasena's clothes and other case items to the Government Analyst for further examination, and a personal bank card found in his possession was taken into custody.
A five-member judicial medical board, led by Chief Judicial Medical Officer Dr. Sriyantha Amararatne, conducted the post-mortem examination on May 9. Parts of Chandrasena's body, including blood, urine, tissue, organs, nails, and hair, have been sent to the Government Analyst for comprehensive laboratory examination to definitively determine the cause of death. Government intelligence agencies have also launched a separate investigation to explore any possibility of conspiracy or foul play, focusing on Chandrasena's contacts and phone calls prior to his death.
Chandrasena was facing accusations of accepting a US$2 million bribe in connection with a 2013 Airbus aircraft procurement deal and was subject to a re-arrest warrant issued shortly before his death. Legal experts have affirmed that the Airbus deal bribery case will continue despite his passing, as he was one of several suspects. His wife and an individual named Nimal Perera have been identified as other suspects in the case, with authorities reportedly considering extradition laws if they are located abroad.
Former Minister Sarath Weerasekera publicly stated that the Bribery Commission was responsible for Chandrasena's death, claiming that the Commission's request to have him remanded again after 56 days in custody and subsequent release on bail likely caused severe mental depression. Weerasekera suggested that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) should question officials from the Bribery Commission regarding this matter. Separately, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam publicly stated that Chandrasena's death was 'incited' or 'provoked' into suicide, suggesting it was more than a simple suicide, and indicated the party is gathering information on this aspect.
During the ongoing magisterial inquiry, a doctor testified that Kapila Chandrasena's death was confirmed after four investigations. The CCD informed the court that CCTV footage from the residence of former cricketer Aravinda de Silva was not recorded, despite the system being operational. Further investigations revealed that no CCTV recordings were available from either Kapila Chandrasena's residence in Barnes Place or the house where he died. However, CCTV checks confirmed that no external person entered Aravinda de Silva's residence or Chandrasena's residence between May 5 and May 7, 2024.
Investigators also submitted a report stating that a parcel containing three keys was opened and the deceased's house was searched. A house believed to belong to Kapila Chandrasena, located in the Hyde Park area and registered in his wife's name, was also searched under a warrant. A domestic worker from Aravinda de Silva's residence testified that he saw Kapila Chandrasena at approximately 1:30 AM holding a white plastic bottle near a water filter. Chandrasena's blood samples and 11 unidentified pills are currently undergoing forensic examination.
On May 19, the magisterial inquiry heard evidence from four witnesses and was postponed until May 22. The court also questioned police over their failure to record statements from two individuals who had stood as sureties for the deceased. Expert Prof. Prathibha Mahanamahewa has called for an examination of the court staff's execution of the bail bond and the release process, highlighting the Registrar's responsibility to consult the Magistrate regarding any doubts.
The magisterial inquiry resumed on May 22, with four witnesses providing testimony before Magistrate Pasan Amarasena. During these proceedings, the Colombo Crimes Division informed the court that two wallets belonging to Kapila Chandrasena were found at his residence. The Magistrate also questioned the police regarding the steps taken to open the deceased's mobile phone. The further hearing of the inquiry has been postponed until May 26.
The final rites for Kapila Chandrasena were conducted on May 10 at the Borella General Cemetery.