The United States has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on two former Sri Lankan officials involved in financial corruption. Kapila Chandrasena and Udayanga Weeratunga are the two.
Former Sri Lankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena is accused of accepting bribes to secure the purchase of Airbus aircraft.
Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga, a relative of the Rajapaksa family, is accused of operating a corrupt scheme in the purchase of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The US State Department has released the names of these two individuals under Section 7031(c). Accordingly, they are prohibited from entering the United States.
The announcement is as follows
Sri Lanka
Kapila Chandrasena, Former CEO of Sri Lanka Airlines
Pursuant to Section 7031(c), the Department of State is publicly designating Kapila Chandrasena for his involvement in significant corruption. Chandrasena accepted a bribe while serving in his capacity as Sri Lankan Airlines CEO in exchange for ensuring Sri Lanka purchased Airbus aircraft for over market value. As part of this action, his immediate family members are also designated.
Udayanga Weeratunga, Former Ambassador to Russia
Pursuant to Section 7031(c), the Department of State is publicly designating Udayanga Weeratunga for his involvement in significant corruption. Weeratunga orchestrated and personally benefited from a corrupt scheme involving the procurement of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lankan Air Force. As part of this action, his immediate family members are also designated.