Investigations into the suspicious death of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena have been handed over to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), according to reports.
The Divaina newspaper stated that a five-member panel of specialist doctors, headed by Colombo Chief Judicial Medical Officer Dr. Sriyantha Amarathna, carried out the post-mortem examination on May 9.
Blood, urine, tissue, organ and hair samples collected during the examination have been sent to the Government Analyst for chemical testing to determine the exact cause of death. Police said the medical board will release its findings after receiving the complete forensic report.
Chandrasena, who had been remanded for nearly two months over allegations linked to aircraft procurement fraud, was granted bail last week. However, controversy emerged after it was revealed that the guarantors who secured his bail were individuals allegedly paid for the purpose and had no personal connection to him.
Keselwatta Police arrested two of the guarantors, who reportedly admitted they had acted in exchange for money. On May 7, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption sought the cancellation of Chandrasena’s bail, claiming that bail conditions had been violated, leading the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
The former airline chief was later found dead inside a room at the Colpetty residence of former Sri Lankan cricketer Aravinda de Silva. Police said he had been staying at the residence due to family connections through his wife.
Although the death initially appeared to be a case of hanging, investigators suspected possible foul play and launched a wider investigation. Statements have been recorded from de Silva, his wife and several others who were at the house at the time. Chandrasena’s mobile phone has also been seized for analysis of his recent communications.
Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler stated that the forensic samples were sent to the Government Analyst to establish the precise cause of death, adding that investigations will continue until all circumstances surrounding the incident are fully clarified.
