The United States has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on two former Sri Lankan officials accused of significant corruption during the Rajapaksa administration.
Kapila Chandrasena, the former CEO of SriLankan Airlines, is accused of accepting bribes in a deal to procure Airbus aircraft at inflated prices. The scheme, which allegedly benefited Chandrasena and his immediate family, has drawn international criticism for its detrimental impact on Sri Lanka’s national carrier.
Udayanga Weeratunga, a former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, has been implicated in a corrupt deal involving the purchase of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lanka Air Force. The scheme reportedly allowed Weeratunga to profit personally while compromising the integrity of military procurement.
Under Section 7031(c) of the US State Department regulations, both individuals and their immediate family members are banned from entering the United States.
These sanctions reflect the US government’s stance on promoting accountability for corruption, particularly when such acts undermine public trust and economic stability. The move also serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of financial misconduct on international relations.
