⚖️ Arrest Warrant Issued for Shamindra Rajapaksa in Airbus Fraud Case

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to arrest and produce Shamindra Rajapaksa, the youngest son of former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, in connection with the long-standing SriLankan Airlines Airbus scandal. • Case Context: The inquiry focuses on alleged financial fraud and bribery during the 2013 purchase of 14 Airbus aircraft for the national carrier. • Suspect Status: Shamindra Rajapaksa has been named the 3rd suspect. The court also directed the CID to seek an INTERPOL Red Notice, as the suspect is currently reported to be in the US. • Primary Accusations: • Kapila Chandrasena (former CEO) and his wife are the 1st and 2nd suspects. • Allegations involve a US$ 2 Mn bribe accepted from a French Airbus entity, later laundered through international accounts. • Investigations revealed a transfer of US$ 160,000 into an account belonging to Shamindra Rajapaksa in 2013. • Impact: The fraudulent deal and subsequent cancellation of aircraft orders reportedly cost the debt-burdened national carrier approximately US$ 400 Mn in losses and penalties. _Status: Based on ongoing magisterial inquiry and CID submissions (Feb 2026)._