A decade-old aircraft deal has returned to haunt Sri Lanka’s political and aviation elite, as investigators trace alleged bribe money across borders and formally move to name a powerful political figure’s son as a suspect in the Airbus corruption probe.
Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department has reignited scrutiny over the controversial Airbus aircraft procurement linked to SriLankan Airlines, informing the Fort Magistrate’s Court on February 2 that instructions have been received to name Shamindra Rajapaksa, the youngest son of former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, as the third suspect in the case.
The investigation centres on a deal struck during 2012–13, when SriLankan Airlines planned to retire 13 aircraft and replace them with 14 new ones. An agreement was signed with Airbus to purchase six A330 aircraft and four A350 aircraft, a transaction now marred by allegations of bribery and financial misconduct.
Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena and his wife have already been named as suspects and are currently out on bail. The Fort Magistrate has ordered the CID to seek international assistance, including the issuance of red notices, as Shamindra Rajapaksa is believed to be residing in the United States.
The case gained momentum in January 2020 after revelations from an investigation by the UK Serious Fraud Office, which found that Airbus had agreed to pay bribes amounting to US$ 16.84 million to secure the aircraft order. Of this, US$ 2 million was traced to a Brunei-based company owned by Chandrasena’s wife.
Further CID investigations revealed that funds were routed through Singapore and Australia before reaching two local bank accounts, one of which allegedly received US$ 160,000 credited to Shamindra Rajapaksa in 2013. Investigators also established that he was present on the airline’s board when key decisions were taken, including a meeting held at the Speaker’s official residence.
With files now forwarded to the Attorney General, the Airbus deal has once again placed Sri Lanka’s political accountability and aviation governance under intense public scrutiny.
