U.S. imposed Sanctions on two Sri Lankan Officials

Kapila Chandrasena, the former CEO of SriLankan Airlines, has been accused of accepting bribes to ensure the airline purchased overpriced Airbus aircraft. These allegations have raised concerns about mismanagement and corruption within SriLankan Airlines during his tenure.

Udayanga Weeratunga, who served as Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Russia, is alleged to have orchestrated a corrupt scheme related to the procurement of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lankan Air Force. Both individuals are accused of engaging in actions that not only harmed the financial interests of Sri Lanka but also undermined the integrity of its institutions.

In line with the U.S. Department of State's commitment to combatting corruption globally, both Chandrasena and Weeratunga have been designated under Section 7031(c) of the U.S. Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. This designation includes immediate restrictions on entry into the United States for both individuals and their immediate family members.

The sanctions highlight the United States' ongoing efforts to hold accountable individuals involved in significant corruption, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in both public and private sectors.