Independent investigative platform Fair Comment has formally lodged a criminal complaint with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) requesting an immediate inquiry into the death of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, naming high-ranking officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The complaint, submitted by Editor-in-Chief Jezeem Jameel, alleges criminal intimidation and abetment of suicide under Sections 483 and 306 of the Penal Code. It is the first formal criminal-law escalation in the Chandrasena death accountability thread.

Central to the complaint is a sworn affidavit Chandrasena executed on 18 March 2026 while in remand custody. Fair Comment contends the document now constitutes a “Dying Declaration” under Section 32(1) of the Evidence Ordinance. In the affidavit, Chandrasena detailed specific instances of alleged psychological pressure and threats regarding his life and the potential for suicide, which he claimed were used as interrogation tactics to extract testimony against third parties.

Chandrasena was found dead at a Colpetty residence on 8 May, within hours of renewed legal pressure from CIABOC after his Airbus-case bail was revoked.

“We have taken this step to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that investigative processes remain within the bounds of human rights and judicial ethics,” Jameel said in a statement. “Given that the allegations involve the leadership of CIABOC, we have requested that the Inspector General of Police assign this matter to an independent unit within the CID to avoid any conflict of interest.”

Fair Comment said it had requested formal acknowledgement of the complaint and was prepared to assist with submitted evidence. Supporting documents have been shared exclusively with law enforcement and oversight bodies.

The filing opens a fresh accountability track alongside earlier political and civil-society reactions: the SLPP demanded answers from CIABOC, Transparency International Sri Lanka warned of a setback to the Airbus probe, and Dilith Jayaweera criticised the political and business climate. The Colombo Crimes Division is separately probing belt evidence recovered from the scene.

Source: Daily FT.