US sanctions on Udayanga, Kapila: Easier for Govt. to take legal action against them: Govt.

• These individuals have been designated under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State Appropriations Act, rendering them ineligible for entry into the United States

By Ajith Siriwardana

In the wake of United States imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on former CEO of SriLankan Airlines Kapila Chandrasena and former ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga, Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday this would make the matters easier for the government to take legal action against them on Airbus and MiG aircraft deals.   
He told the weekly briefing to announce Cabinet decisions that this verdict will motivate and support the effort of preventing and taking action against fraud and corruption.   
Responding to a question, he said some deals have taken place at international level, out of the Sri Lankan boundary and that cooperation of respective countries is required to take action on such frauds and corruption.  

“We raised our voice against such frauds and corruption over the years and assured that we will take action against such malpractices. We are taking action accordingly. We have resumed delayed and suspended investigations and will file cases. We will not give into the voices of the people who were involved in the frauds and corruption. We will take sufficient time and take action after proper investigations,” he said.   
The United States imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on two Sri Lankans — Kapila Chandrasena, former CEO of SriLankan Airlines and Udayanga Weeratunga, former ambassador to Russia — along with their immediate family members.   
These measures are part of ongoing US efforts to hold perpetrators of corruption accountable.    Announcing the actions on International Anti-Corruption Day and just ahead of Human Rights Day, the U.S. State Department emphasised its commitment to promoting accountability for corruption and human rights violations worldwide.   
Accordingly, Chandrasena is accused of accepting bribes to ensure that SriLankan Airlines purchased overpriced Airbus aircraft, while Weeratunga is alleged to have orchestrated a corrupt scheme involving the procurement of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lanka Air Force. These individuals have been designated under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State Appropriations Act, rendering them ineligible for entry into the United States.   
“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, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act (“Section 7031(c)”), rendering them ineligible for entry into the United States. The Department of State is also further taking steps to impose visa restrictions on dozens of individuals pursuant to multiple policies under section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act,” the State Department said.   
Kapila Chandrasena, Former CEO of Sri Lanka Airlines:   
Pursuant to Section 7031(c), the Department of State is publicly designating Kapila Chandrasena for his involvement in significant corruption. Chandrasena accepted a bribe while serving in his capacity as Sri Lankan Airlines CEO in exchange for ensuring Sri Lanka purchased Airbus aircraft for over market value. As part of this action, his immediate family members are also designated.   
Udayanga Weeratunga, Former Ambassador to Russia:   
Pursuant to Section 7031(c), the Department of State is publicly designating Udayanga Weeratunga for his involvement in significant corruption. Weeratunga orchestrated and personally benefitted from a corrupt scheme involving the procurement of MiG aircraft for the Sri Lanka Air Force. As part of this action, his immediate family members are also designated.”