The United States has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on Kapila Chandrasena, former CEO of SriLankan Airlines, and Udayanga Weeratunga, former Sri Lankan ambassador to Russia, along with their immediate family members. These measures, announced on International Anti-Corruption Day, aim to hold perpetrators of corruption accountable and promote global transparency and justice.
The sanctions, issued under Section 7031(c) of the U.S. Department of State Appropriations Act, render both individuals ineligible for entry into the United States. The U.S. State Department emphasised its commitment to combat corruption and protect human rights as part of this broader initiative.
Kapila Chandrasena – Former CEO of SriLankan Airlines
Kapila Chandrasena has been publicly designated for his involvement in significant corruption during his tenure at SriLankan Airlines. According to the U.S. State Department, Chandrasena accepted bribes in exchange for ensuring the airline purchased Airbus aircraft at inflated prices, far exceeding market value. This corrupt practice caused substantial financial harm to the airline and, by extension, to Sri Lanka.
As part of the sanctions, his immediate family members have also been designated, making them ineligible for U.S. entry.
Udayanga Weeratunga – Former Ambassador to Russia
Udayanga Weeratunga, who served as Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Russia, has been sanctioned for orchestrating a corrupt scheme involving the procurement of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lanka Air Force. The U.S. alleges that Weeratunga personally benefited from this arrangement, which involved significant misappropriation of public funds.
Similar to Chandrasena, Weeratunga’s immediate family members are also subject to these restrictions.
Broader Actions on Corruption
The U.S. State Department revealed that these actions are part of a wider initiative targeting 14 individuals involved in corruption and human rights violations globally. In addition to Chandrasena and Weeratunga, the Department is imposing visa restrictions on dozens of other individuals under multiple policies pursuant to section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.
“The Department of State is designating 14 individuals, including immediate family members for involvement in significant corruption and one official for his involvement in a gross violation of human rights… rendering them ineligible for entry into the United States,” the statement read.
