Rajapaksa Testifies as Chandrasena’s Death Revives Airbus Probe

*TL;DR: Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa testified before the anti‑corruption commission on the same day the former SriLankan Airlines CEO was found dead, reigniting the Airbus procurement scandal.

Context Sri Lanka’s 2013 Airbus purchase, valued at $4.2 billion, has long been a flashpoint for allegations of bribery and mismanagement. The deal involved senior officials from the national carrier and political figures, creating a legacy of legal battles and public distrust. Recent events have thrust the case back into the spotlight.

Key Facts - On Tuesday, Mahinda Rajapaksa appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). The commission summoned him as part of its ongoing probe into the Airbus contract. - Kapila Chandrasena, who led SriLankan Airlines during the purchase, was found dead in Colombo on 8 May. He was facing corruption charges tied to the same deal. Police have not ruled out suicide and continue to investigate the circumstances. - Experts stress that Sri Lanka needs a politically independent National Security Council and a modern intelligence service to handle such high‑profile cases without interference. - The timing of Chandrasena’s death and Rajapaksa’s testimony has sparked renewed debate over accountability, with opposition parties demanding transparent proceedings and supporters warning against politicising the investigation.

What It Means The convergence of a former president’s testimony and a high‑ranking executive’s death amplifies pressure on Sri Lanka’s institutions to demonstrate independence. If CIABOC proceeds without political obstruction, it could set a precedent for prosecuting senior figures in corruption cases. Conversely, any perception of a cover‑up may deepen public cynicism and fuel calls for structural reforms, including a stronger National Security Council and upgraded intelligence capabilities. The outcome will likely influence both domestic confidence in governance and international assessments of Sri Lanka’s rule‑of‑law credentials.

Looking ahead, watch for CIABOC’s final report, any official findings on Chandrasena’s death, and parliamentary debates on security council reforms.