Opposition MP Dilith Jayaweera said the death of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena reflected the “dark side” of businesses that become entangled in Sri Lanka’s political culture, and called for a proper investigation into the circumstances of his death.

Speaking at a media briefing, Jayaweera said he had known Chandrasena since his Sri Lanka Telecom days and described him as a capable corporate figure who later headed both Sri Lanka Telecom and SriLankan Airlines. However, he said Chandrasena appeared to have become drawn into what he called the dark side of the country’s political-business culture.

Jayaweera said allegations that Chandrasena had obtained bail using two fake guarantors had subjected him to intense pressure. “Ultimately, when individuals become isolated, none of those who benefited from them remain by their side. He couldn’t find anyone to get bail,” he said, framing the episode as a lesson for those operating within corrupt political systems.

The MP also raised concerns over the use of remand custody, claiming it had increasingly become a form of punishment imposed before guilt was established in court. He said the principle that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty had been “seriously weakened” in Sri Lanka’s current system.

Jayaweera called for a proper investigation into Chandrasena’s death, saying that while it appeared at first glance to be a suicide, questions and suspicions had emerged regarding the circumstances. He compared the situation to the recent death of External Resources Department Director Ranga Rajapaksa, saying both cases had triggered public debate.

Chandrasena was found dead at a Colpetty residence on Thursday, one day after the Colombo Chief Magistrate issued a warrant for his re-arrest. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said no conclusion could be made on the cause of death pending the post-mortem and judicial medical examination.

The SLPP’s General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam earlier on Thursday demanded an independent inquiry, alleging Chandrasena had filed an affidavit naming threats from senior CIABOC officials. Transparency International Sri Lanka also weighed in, warning that the death should not be used to obstruct the wider Airbus prosecution.

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