Former SriLankan Airlines Chairman Nishantha Wickramasinghe Arrested



Current Charges: Misuse of Public Funds and Financial Mismanagement

Former SriLankan Airlines Chairman Nishantha Wickramasinghe was arrested today by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) in connection with an ongoing investigation into financial misconduct during his tenure.

Wickramasinghe faces multiple charges, including causing a financial loss of USD 4,512 by altering the route of flight UL319 on January 22, 2014. In a separate incident, the government incurred an additional loss of USD 19,160 due to the mismanagement of 75 transit passengers on flight UL563 on January 26 of the same year. He is also accused of misappropriating Rs. 1.25 million in airline funds to support an election campaign held in December 2014.

He is expected to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Background: A Tenure Marked by Allegations and Abuse of Power

Wickramasinghe, who is also the brother-in-law of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, held the position of Chairman at SriLankan Airlines following an appointment by then-Treasury Secretary P.B. Jayasundara. His leadership was heavily criticized in the official Board of Inquiry (BoI) report, which revealed several instances of misconduct and abuse of office.

Housing and Vehicle Misuse: Unjustified Luxury at Public Expense

The inquiry found that Wickramasinghe had the airline lease three separate houses in Ja-Ela, Andiambalama, and Seeduwa under the pretext of needing proximity to the office. Electricity bills and testimony from senior military officials contradicted his claims, suggesting the properties were used for undisclosed “other purposes.”

In addition to a company-provided Mercedes-Benz, he reportedly secured two additional luxury vehicles through fraudulent means, including a Montero and a Prado. These were obtained via questionable loan agreements made on behalf of SriLankan Airlines.

Unethical Appointments and Alleged Favoritism

Further controversy surrounds his unauthorized appointment of a cabin crew member, Chathurika Muhandiram, as a "brand ambassador"—a position not formally recognized by airline management. Investigations revealed she traveled with Wickramasinghe on business class tickets funded by revenue diverted from another airline.

The former chairman defended the appointment, claiming it was based on her talents and longstanding personal ties.

Sexual Harassment Claims Unaddressed

The BoI also documented unresolved allegations of sexual harassment within the airline during his chairmanship. Complaints made by staff, particularly concerning individuals in senior positions, were reportedly dismissed or inadequately addressed. Human Resources officials cited difficulty in securing legal proof, drawing criticism from the inquiry team.

Systemic Accountability in Focus

Wickramasinghe’s arrest may signal a rare moment of accountability in Maladewa’s efforts to investigate financial and administrative abuses within state-owned enterprises. As the case proceeds, it will test the country’s commitment to transparency, especially involving high-profile political connections.

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