SriLankan’s new Chairman could not even take off

Bad memories were revived and the image of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa took a beating.

It was over an announcement that the former controversial Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kapila Chandrasena had been named the Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier.

One source said the move came on the recommendation of Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, though this could not be confirmed. However, when Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, received a howl of protests, he directed that the appointment be immediately withdrawn. He has now appointed G.S. Vithanage, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport.

The role of Mr Chandrasena has become the subject of detailed scrutiny by a Commission of Inquiry appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena to probe both Mihin Lanka and SriLankan Airlines.

It is headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice Anil Gunaratne.

Besides that, there are three different investigations being conducted against alleged serious irregularities committed by Mr Chandrasena.

One such investigation, carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), related to tenders and other multimillion dollar transactions carried out by a company registered in Brunei. Detectives allege that the company belongs to a close relative and had been formed just days ahead of the opening of a major tender.

The Sunday Times has learnt that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is also conducting a separate investigation, in a case involving Mr.Chandrasena and a local businessman over an alleged foreign currency fraud involving duty free outlets at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Meawhile, Mr. Chandrasena was requested to appear before the CID investigation unit to make a statement after summons were issued to him by the Commission of Inquiry.