Open Warrant Issued for Ex-SriLankan CEO' s Wife

COLOMBO (News 1st); An open warrant has been issued against Priyanka Nayomali Wijenayake, the wife of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Airbus Scandal.

The order was issued today by Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena after considering submissions made by the investigating officer who appeared on behalf of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) when the case was taken up before court.

The CID informed court that a prior warrant had already been issued against Priyanka Nayomali Wijenayake, who has been named as the second suspect in the case, and requested that an open warrant be issued in English. After considering the request, the Magistrate granted the order.

During the proceedings, President’s Counsel Anil Silva, appearing on behalf of the two sureties who had provided bail for the second suspect, requested that former Sri Lanka cricketer Aravinda de Silva and his wife Priyangi Anushka Wijenayake be released from their obligations as sureties.

Counsel further informed court that the bail amount of Rs. 10 million could be forfeited.

However, after examining the case record, the Magistrate noted that it was not a Rs. 10 million bail but rather a bail bond valued at Rs. 20 million. The court further observed that reasons must be presented before any order is made to forfeit the bail amount.

President’s Counsel Silva told court that the two sureties required permission to travel overseas.

Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered the two sureties who stood bail for Priyanka Nayomali Wijenayake to submit written reasons seeking their release from the surety obligations and to explain the circumstances relating to the forfeiture of the bail bond.

The case was postponed and will be taken up again on July 22.

The first suspect in the case, former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, has since passed away.