An affidavit submitted by former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena has raised serious concerns over the manner in which his statement was obtained by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
The affidavit, dated March 18 and released to the media through his legal representatives, claims that Chandrasena’s earlier statement to the Bribery Commission was not given voluntarily but was made under intimidation.
According to the document, Chandrasena alleges that he was removed from the official recording room during questioning and subjected to threats by CIABOC officials. He further claims that the Director General of the Commission spoke to him in a threatening manner during the process.
Chandrasena also states that he was warned of imminent arrest and pressured to include the names of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, and his wife in his statement. He maintains that any references to these individuals were made under duress and do not represent his genuine testimony.
In addition, the former CEO alleges that he was denied access to legal counsel while his statement was being recorded.
Following submissions made in court, the Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered that Chandrasena be remanded in custody until April 2.
Chandrasena had previously been arrested in connection with allegations of soliciting and accepting a bribe amounting to USD 2 million, linked to the controversial Airbus aircraft procurement deal involving SriLankan Airlines.
The case continues to draw significant public and political attention as investigations proceed.
