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Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Found Dead Amid Bribery Scandal

May 8, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena found dead.
Chandrasena faced corruption charges over $2.3 billion Airbus deal.
He was accused of accepting a $16 million bribe.
Chandrasena had been released from custody days before his death.

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Strategic Implications

The sudden death of Kapila Chandrasena may complicate the ongoing investigation into Airbus bribery allegations, which could have significant implications for the company's future dealings in the region. The case suggests that corruption remains a major challenge for the aerospace industry, and companies may need to re-examine their compliance procedures to avoid similar scandals.

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What Happened

Airbus Corruption Case Takes New Turn With Sudden Death

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, who was facing corruption charges related to a $2.3 billion Airbus aircraft purchase, was found dead on May 8, 2026. Chandrasena had been accused of accepting a $16 million bribe from Airbus and had been released from custody just days before his death. The case has drawn attention in Sri Lanka due to allegations that the bribe money reached senior political figures, including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The incident is part of a broader Airbus corruption scandal that has resulted in significant penalties for the company. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

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