<ul><li>Payment delays to renewable energy developers deepen amid cash flow crisis</li><li>Fuel price surge, delayed tariff revision worsened financial strain: NSO</li><li>2nd emergency coal shipment commences unloading</li></ul> The National System Operator (NSO) has formally requested financial assistance from the Government to settle an estimated Rs. 10 billion in outstanding payments owed to renewable energy developers.The mounting arrears, which industry stakeholders say have accumulated since the beginning of the year, have intensified concerns within the renewable energy sector and highlighted broader financial strains affecting Sri Lanka’s electricity supply system.Speaking to The Sunday Morning, NSO Chairman Dr. Pradeep Perera said that the institution had sought urgent Government intervention to stabilise the situation and resume delayed payments to energy producers.“We requested the Government to provide assistance, and we hope corrective action will be taken soon. If that happens, we expect to begin settling these payments within the next couple of weeks,” Dr. Perera said.&nbsp;He said that the NSO required a sustainable financial mechanism to maintain operational stability and ensure uninterrupted payments moving forward.“We require some form of Government support, either through a subsidy mechanism or through tariff adjustments, in order to reach a sustainable break-even position,” he explained.According to Dr. Perera, the sector’s financial difficulties worsened significantly following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East earlier this year, which triggered a sharp increase in global fuel prices, particularly for diesel and furnace oil used in thermal power generation.He explained that although electricity tariffs were expected to be reviewed quarterly, the anticipated tariff revision for the first quarter had not materialised, leaving the utility unable to recover rising operational costs.“Under normal circumstances, tariff adjustments are expected every quarter. However, the adjustment for the first quarter did not take place. As fuel prices increased, our revenues did not increase proportionately, which created a serious cash deficit. As a result, we had to prioritise certain payments, leading to delays during March and April,” Dr. Perera noted.The NSO Chairman further stated that a portion of the payment arrears predated the operational takeover of the National System Operator on 10 March and originated when the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) was still responsible for settling payments to renewable energy developers.“When the NSO assumed operational responsibility on 10 March, there were already outstanding arrears from the CEB side. My understanding is that there had already been delays of nearly two months at that stage, covering payments for January and February,” he said.When questioned regarding the total value of the arrears, Dr. Perera acknowledged estimates circulating within the renewable energy industry.“The developers have indicated that the outstanding amount is now around Rs. 10 billion, but I cannot confirm this personally,” he stated.Meanwhile, authorities are continuing efforts to secure sufficient fuel supplies for thermal power generation as part of wider measures to stabilise the national grid.Ministry of Energy Secretary G.M.R.D. Aponsu provided an update on the emergency coal procurement process initiated to address supply shortages and ensure uninterrupted electricity generation.“The first shipment under the urgent spot procurement has already been unloaded, and unloading operations for the second shipment, which arrived on Thursday (7), have now commenced,” Aponsu said.He added that the quality of the coal consignments had been verified through standard inspection procedures carried out at the port.“Quality checks have been completed and everything is in order,” he said.The Ministry of Energy had previously initiated five emergency spot procurements to secure coal supplies ahead of anticipated demand pressures.Regarding the remaining shipments, Aponsu said that delivery schedules were being closely monitored in accordance with procurement regulations, while minor delays remained possible under standard shipping conditions.“Two shipments have already arrived, while the remaining consignments are also on the way. Delivery schedules are monitored by the procurement authorities, and if delays occur, the relevant penalties will apply under procurement regulations. However, minor delays of about a day can sometimes occur under normal shipping conditions,” he claimed.&nbsp;

Electricity supply: NSO seeks urgent support over energy arrears 

<ul><li>Committee has met 45 times so far</li></ul> The committee appointed to review and recommend the repeal of Sri Lanka’s draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) is scheduled to finalise the draft Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTB) on Monday (11), following months of public consultations, legal review, and mounting domestic and international criticism over the proposed legislation.&nbsp;The proposed bill, which was officially published in December 2025, is intended to repeal and replace the controversial PTA of 1979. Following its publication, the Government opened the draft for public consultation, with submissions officially closing on 28 February.&nbsp;Since the consultation period concluded, the proposed legislation has come under intense scrutiny from civil society organisations, legal experts, international human rights bodies, and foreign stakeholders. Many have warned that several provisions within the draft remain inconsistent with international human rights standards.&nbsp;A senior official familiar with the review process, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Sunday Morning that the committee was in the final stages of completing the revised draft.&nbsp;“We are meeting on Monday (11) to finalise the draft, which contains all the adjustments made after considering the views expressed by the concerned parties,” the source said.The source further explained that the committee had provided an extensive consultation period after uploading the draft to the Ministry of Justice website and subsequently held numerous sittings to examine stakeholder feedback.&nbsp;“When we concluded our sittings and uploaded the draft, we had met 33 times. Thereafter, we met another 12 times, bringing the total number of sittings to 45. There have been no blockades, and we have continued the process,” the source stated.&nbsp;While the committee has confirmed that revisions have been incorporated into the latest version of the bill, it remains unclear which specific public submissions and international recommendations have ultimately been accepted.The committee is also expected to determine a date to formally hand over the finalised draft to the Minister of Justice following Monday’s meeting.The progression of the proposed legislation has unfolded against a backdrop of growing concern from international human rights institutions and diplomatic stakeholders.Repealing the PTA is a key policy priority of the National People’s Power (NPP) Government, as outlined in its election manifesto. A committee chaired by President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne was appointed in April 2025 to review and recommend the repeal of the PTA.The PTA, initially passed in 1979 as a temporary measure, has long been criticised for enabling prolonged detention without charge and facilitating human rights violations.&nbsp;Amnesty International and several international rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over provisions allowing suspects to be detained for extended periods without charge, the admissibility of confessions allegedly obtained under duress, restrictions on freedom of expression and association through ministerial orders, and the difficulty in obtaining bail under the law.Successive Sri Lankan governments have repeatedly pledged to repeal or reform the PTA under both domestic and international pressure.&nbsp;In 2018, the then Government introduced a Counter-Terrorism Bill, which rights groups, legal experts, and international observers argued contained provisions that were equally restrictive as, or in some instances more restrictive than, the PTA, ultimately resulting in the proposal being withdrawn following widespread opposition.

Repealing PTA: Committee to finalise new anti-terror bill on Monday

Sri Lankan authorities have arrested nearly 700 foreign nationals over cybercrime and illegal financial operations during the first five months of 2026, amid growing concerns over whether Sri Lanka is becoming a hub for cyber scams.&nbsp;The most recent incident was reported on Thursday (7), when the Mount Lavinia Divisional Crimes Investigation Bureau arrested a group of 30 foreign nationals allegedly involved in cybercrime activities while overstaying their visas in the Boralesgamuwa area.Police Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler said that foreign nationals involved in cyber fraud and money laundering activities would face prosecution under existing Sri Lankan laws.“Foreigners involved in criminal activities, such as cybercrimes and illegal money laundering, will be prosecuted under existing laws. In 2026, from 1 January to date, approximately 700 foreign nationals have been arrested,” ASP Wootler told The Sunday Morning.The first major operation was carried out on 23 February in Cinnamon Gardens, where 21 Chinese nationals were arrested. On 16 March, Police conducted coordinated raids across three hotels in Mihintale and Anuradhapura, resulting in the arrest of 133 Chinese nationals allegedly linked to organised cyber fraud activities.On 20 March, authorities arrested 77 Indonesian nationals in Kochchikade, while a raid in Poddala on 24 March led to the arrest of 12 Vietnamese and five Chinese nationals.Further raids conducted in Negombo on 27 March resulted in the arrest of 27 Chinese and Malaysian nationals in one operation, while a separate raid led to the apprehension of 16 Chinese nationals and two Cambodian nationals.On 2 April, authorities arrested 133 Chinese nationals, 13 Vietnamese nationals, and one Malaysian national during a large-scale operation in Chilaw. Another raid carried out in Dungalpitiya on 22 April resulted in the arrest of 30 Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian nationals.On 2 May, Police arrested 37 Chinese nationals in Koswatte, while a major operation at a residential complex in Kollupitiya led to the arrest of 74 Vietnamese nationals aged between 19 and 39, including 41 males and 33 females.&nbsp;Concurrently, six Taiwanese and Chinese nationals aged between 25 and 40 were arrested during a separate operation at a hotel in Talalla, Matara.Meanwhile, National Centre for Public Rights (NCPR) Convenor and Attorney-at-Law Rasanga Harischandra stated that Sri Lanka had experienced a rapid increase in crimes linked to computing systems, communications infrastructure, and digital payment platforms.“Over the past several months, a rapid increase in crimes related to computing, communications, and payment systems has been observed in Sri Lanka. As a result, the following notable incidents have drawn significant attention: a loss of $ 2.5 million from the Treasury, a loss of $ 6 million from the Department of Posts, and a loss of Rs. 13 billion from a State bank and a commercial bank in which the Employees’ Provident Fund holds shares,” Harischandra said.&nbsp;He further warned that the recent arrests demonstrated how Sri Lanka was increasingly being utilised as a base for transnational cybercrime operations.“Furthermore, in the past few weeks, nearly 200 foreign nationals who entered Sri Lanka on tourist visas and were operating illegal cybercrime scam centres have been arrested and produced before courts. Notably, the Chinese Embassy has also issued a statement urging the Government to pay greater attention to this matter. All of these incidents indicate that Sri Lanka is increasingly becoming an international hub for cybercrime,” Harischandra observed.He also highlighted the recent seizure of large quantities of communication equipment allegedly smuggled into the country through the airport, warning that such activities reflected the growing sophistication and logistical capabilities of international cybercrime syndicates.

Nearly 700 foreigners arrested for cybercrime 

<ul><li>Nations target $ 1 b bilateral trade by 2030</li><li>Vietnam donates 100 MT of urea, superphosphate</li><li>Leaders discuss direct flights, renewable energy, AI, maritime affairs, defence collaboration&nbsp;</li></ul> Sri Lanka and Vietnam on Friday (8) agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership, with the two countries pledging to expand cooperation across trade, investment, defence, renewable energy, technology, agriculture, maritime affairs, and aviation connectivity.The agreement was announced following bilateral discussions between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Vietnamese President Tô Lâm during the latter’s State visit to Sri Lanka.As part of the visit, Sri Lanka and Vietnam signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering police training, scientific research, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in information and communications. The agreements were signed at the Presidential Secretariat in the presence of the two leaders, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).Vietnam also donated 100 MT of urea and superphosphate fertiliser to Sri Lanka in response to a request for fertiliser assistance.Economic cooperation emerged as a major focus of the bilateral discussions, with both countries agreeing to increase bilateral trade to $ 1 billion by 2030.Addressing a joint media briefing after discussions at the Presidential Secretariat, Dissanayake described the visit as a historic milestone in relations between the two countries, with this year marking 55 years of diplomatic ties.“Reflecting the maturity, strength and future potential of our bilateral engagement, Sri Lanka and Vietnam agreed to elevate the existing diplomatic relationship into a broader and more comprehensive partnership,” Dissanayake said.President Lâm said that both countries recognised the present moment as a timely opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and formally upgrade relations.“In this spirit, President Dissanayake and I agreed to upgrade Vietnam-Sri Lanka relations to a Comprehensive Partnership,” he said.Dissanayake said Sri Lanka had invited Vietnamese investors to explore opportunities in renewable energy, logistics, infrastructure, tourism, and manufacturing, highlighting Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean.The Vietnamese President meanwhile stated that both countries had agreed to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, energy, science, and technology, while also working towards a future bilateral agreement on trade and investment.“Vietnamese entrepreneurs are prepared to expand their investments in Sri Lanka, with the aim of contributing to the country’s socioeconomic development while creating strategic and symbolic projects that further strengthen ties between our two nations,” he said.The two leaders also discussed expanding aviation links, with Sri Lanka welcoming decisions by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air to commence direct flights between Colombo and the Vietnamese cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi later this year.Dissanayake said the new routes were expected to strengthen tourism, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.Cooperation in renewable energy and digital transformation also featured prominently during discussions.Dissanayake said that Sri Lanka and Vietnam had explored collaboration in solar and wind energy, electric mobility, and electric vehicle manufacturing. The two countries additionally discussed cooperation in information technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital public infrastructure as Sri Lanka advances efforts to build a digital economy.Agriculture was identified as another key area of partnership, with both sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation on technology transfer, capacity building, agricultural modernisation, and post-harvest management.Defence and security cooperation also formed part of the bilateral discussions.Dissanayake said the two countries had agreed to enhance cooperation in training, knowledge exchange, and participation in United Nations Peacekeeping operations, while reaffirming a shared commitment to regional peace and stability.President Lâm said that both sides had agreed to reinforce political, defence, and security cooperation “based on mutual trust, understanding, and respect,” while promoting high-level exchanges and maintaining bilateral cooperation mechanisms.The Vietnamese President also stressed the importance of freedom and security of maritime navigation in accordance with international law.Dissanayake described Vietnam as a symbol of unwavering resistance against imperialism and a living example of remarkable economic transformation, commending the country’s rapid emergence as a major manufacturing and economic hub in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam President’s State visit: SL, Vietnam sign multiple agreements on cooperation 

<ul><li>SL faces growing threat from pig-butchering cybercrime networks</li></ul> The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has officially escalated the national money laundering threat level for fraud from medium to medium-high as of January, officials have revealed during a sitting of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF).&nbsp;This follows an intensive 18-month study which found that the country’s financial landscape was facing an unprecedented surge in sophisticated international criminal activity.The FIU warned that international fraudsters were increasingly exploiting Sri Lanka’s porous borders to establish the country as a destination for high-speed criminal operations, particularly through pig-butchering scams and rapid-response cybercrime targeting the economy.The FIU’s investigation has revealed that international criminal actors are no longer merely targeting Sri Lankans from abroad, but are physically entering the country to utilise local infrastructure for complex fraud schemes.&nbsp;Among the most prominent threats identified was pig butchering, a specialised form of long-term fraud involving the digital grooming of victims before stealing significant financial assets.&nbsp;Officials said the speed at which such crimes were carried out had become a major concern for regulators, as cyber syndicates could now move illicit funds through multiple financial institutions within extremely short periods, rendering traditional manual tracking methods largely ineffective.&nbsp;Given that local resources for tracing these complex international financial movements remain very limited, the FIU increasingly relies on bilateral relationships with international peer organisations, including the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to monitor and intercept criminal actors.&nbsp;Responding to queries raised by COPF members, FIU officials also highlighted the importance of what they described as the golden hour – the narrow period immediately following a fraudulent transaction.&nbsp;Officials explained that if victims identified the fraud and law enforcement authorities were notified within that period, there was a significantly greater chance of freezing and recovering the funds. Once the golden hour lapses, however, the money is typically transferred across multiple institutions, making recovery efforts considerably more difficult.To address this issue, a collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Digital Economy and law enforcement agencies is currently underway to establish a dedicated call centre staffed by law enforcement officers. The centre is expected to provide the public with an immediate mechanism to report fraud, allowing authorities to intervene rapidly before illicit funds are moved beyond reach.The scale of data currently handled by the FIU has also emerged as a significant bottleneck in generating actionable intelligence. Officials revealed that the FIU database now stored over 100 million transactions, a figure that had grown rapidly since 2022.&nbsp;The unit captures approximately three million new transactions each month, focusing primarily on Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs) and Electronic Fund Transfers (EFTs) that meet the Rs. 1 million reporting threshold.Officials further noted that the software currently used to process this data – goAML version 4.9, provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – had become cumbersome due to the sheer volume of transactions. As a result, the FIU has obtained board approval and the necessary clearance to upgrade to version 5.6.&nbsp;The upgrade, described as a huge jump in capability, is expected to be completed by July and aims to more effectively transform raw transactional data into actionable intelligence for dissemination among law enforcement and other competent authorities.A major point of concern raised during the COPF session was the FIU’s lack of direct visibility into the LankaPay transactional database. Currently, the FIU operates under a reporting model in which financial institutions are legally required to submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) within two working days of identifying suspicious activity.However, COPF members argued that, given the speed at which these fraudsters were taking over systems, a two-day reporting window was insufficient to prevent major financial losses.While the CBSL has instructed LankaPay to introduce its own centralised fraud management system to monitor transactions and detect threshold-based anomalies across the network, the FIU itself does not currently have real-time access to LankaPay’s data.&nbsp;Thus, COPF members urged the CBSL to reconsider this separation, arguing that the FIU required better visibility to detect systemic risks before they resulted in significant capital outflows.

Cybercrimes: FIU raises fraud threat level

<ul><li>Most trains lack working speedometers: LOEU</li></ul> Thousands of train commuters have been facing severe delays for two weeks following the derailment of the Sagarika Express train near the Wadduwa Railway Station on 24 April, with railway drivers now strictly adhering to speed limits amid mounting safety concerns.The delays began after 11 out of 13 compartments of the Sagarika Express, travelling from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near Wadduwa. Following the incident, the train’s driver, assistant driver, guard, and sub-guard were suspended pending investigation.Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union (LOEU) Secretary S.R.C.M. Senanayake told The Sunday Morning that the delays were not caused by drivers, but by years of neglected railway maintenance and outdated timetables that failed to account for existing speed restrictions.&nbsp;“The core issue is that our tracks haven’t been properly maintained for years,” he said.&nbsp;According to Senanayake, railway lines contain numerous caution zones where trains are required to reduce speeds to as low as 8, 10, 15, or 20 kmph. However, he alleged that train schedules had never been revised to reflect these restrictions.&nbsp;“Suppose there are 60 caution zones between Colombo and Beliatta. If you lose just one minute at each caution zone, that’s a 60-minute delay right there. So, a four-and-a-half-hour journey naturally becomes five-and-a-half hours,” he explained.&nbsp;Senanayake further claimed that many trains did not even have functioning speedometers, forcing drivers to estimate speeds in order to maintain schedules.&nbsp;“Most of these trains don’t even have working speedometers. Drivers take the risk and estimate the speed by feel. Drivers have been carrying that risk for a long time, but management provides no long-term solutions,” he alleged.He stressed that drivers were now prioritising safety over punctuality following the Sagarika derailment.&nbsp;“Usually, management only reacts when the public protests against delays. But there was no protest because drivers were managing it. Even if not perfectly on time, they would get there within a 15-minute delay by taking risks. But this is no longer sustainable,” he said.Referring to the derailment, Senanayake claimed that the stretch where the accident occurred had not even been marked with a caution notice.&nbsp;“The driver was most likely going at a speed of 70 kmph and had checked in for the previous signal as well. It wasn’t his fault that the train derailed,” he said, adding that the union would not oppose disciplinary action if investigations proved otherwise.&nbsp;Senanayake also raised concerns regarding outdated signalling systems, insufficient brake power, and mechanical faults in trains.&nbsp;“Wipers don’t work, speedometers are missing, engines have mechanical issues, and the brake power is insufficient. Then you get to the track, and the tracks aren’t maintained. The signalling system is outdated,” he claimed.&nbsp;He clarified that the current delays were not part of a trade union action.&nbsp;“This isn’t a trade union action or a strike. We are simply following the rules. These delays can be stopped only from the department’s end. The department should either fix the tracks or update the schedules so passengers know the real arrival times,” he asserted.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Railways General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya maintained that speed limits had existed for years and that drivers had previously operated within those limits.&nbsp;“Speed limits existed then and they exist today. They won’t just be removed. However, sometimes drivers used to override those limits while driving,” he said.&nbsp;According to Pathmapriya, criticism directed at drivers on social media following the derailment had contributed to the present situation.&nbsp;“The drivers started going slowly as a result of this, and although we requested them to override the speed limits, they are not ready to oblige. We cannot remove the speed limits either due to the issues in the tracks,” he said.Pathmapriya also said that the department was carrying out railway maintenance.&nbsp;“Railway development happens daily; we fix the places we identify. If we take the coastal line, the rails we lay there corrode very quickly. Generally, frequent replacements haven’t been happening when they corrode. We are in the process of making some changes to the speed limits. In certain places we’ve looked at, we have taken steps to increase speed,” he said.&nbsp;However, Pathmapriya stated that altering train timetables would only cause more trouble for travellers.

Train delays: Railway tug-of-war strands passengers 

The Road Development Authority’s (RDA) study on revising speed limits across Sri Lanka is expected to conclude next year amid growing concerns over road safety, traffic congestion, and accident prevention on both expressways and national roads.&nbsp;A feasibility study is currently being conducted regarding the matter. The study aims to assess whether existing speed regulations remain suitable for current traffic conditions and the country’s expanding road infrastructure.RDA Chairman Tharmalingam Paskaran told The Sunday Morning that the authority was still collecting and analysing data before taking any final decisions regarding revisions to existing speed limits.“We are currently conducting a comprehensive study,” Paskaran said when asked if a formal evaluation had already been initiated, adding that the study was likely to be completed by next year.A key focus of the ongoing research is the impact of speed differentials between vehicles, particularly on expressways, and whether slow-moving vehicles occupying high-speed lanes significantly contribute to accidents and traffic congestion.Paskaran stated: “One of the observations we are examining is whether slow-moving vehicles on expressways contribute to accidents. However, this remains only a preliminary observation at this stage. We are now collecting supporting data to arrive at a scientific conclusion.”Recent reports within the transport sector suggested that authorities were preparing to increase the maximum speed limit on certain roads from 70 kmph to 80 kmph. However, Paskaran clarified that neither the RDA nor the Government had made an official decision.“There has been no such decision taken at present. Personally, I believe that an increase may be possible, but any such move must be based on proper scientific study and evidence before implementation,” he said.He further emphasised that any future amendments to speed regulations would require a clear distinction between expressways and conventional roads, noting that minimum speed requirements were only being considered for expressways.“Imposing minimum speed limits on normal roads would not be practical or appropriate,” Paskaran explained.&nbsp;According to the RDA Chairman, the Ministry of Transport has already been informed of the discussions surrounding the possible introduction of minimum speed regulations on expressways.&nbsp;“The Ministry of Transport is aware of these discussions and the view that expressways should have minimum speed limits,” he said.&nbsp;Alongside the review of speed regulations, the RDA has also intensified broader road safety initiatives by allocating dedicated funding specifically for safety-related infrastructure improvements.&nbsp;Paskaran revealed that the Treasury had approved a separate road safety allocation for the authority, marking a shift from the previous practice of incorporating safety expenditure within the general maintenance allocation.&nbsp;“We now have a separate road safety allocation. Previously, road safety expenditure was included under the maintenance allocation, but the Treasury has now provided a separate allocation for safety initiatives. This year alone, we have received more than Rs. 1 billion and have already commenced implementing several road safety measures,” he stated.

RDA study on speed limits to end next year 

<ul><li>Police launches investigation into ‘suspicious’ death at Kollupitiya residence</li><li>Arrest warrant issued after CIABOC alleges bail condition violations&nbsp;</li></ul> Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SriLankan Airlines Kapila Chandrasena was found dead at a residence in Kollupitiya on Friday (8), hours after the Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered his arrest over an alleged violation of bail conditions in a high-profile bribery case.&nbsp;The Police informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court regarding the death, stating that further investigations into the “suspicious death” were underway. The Magistrate also visited the scene for inspection.&nbsp;The body was reportedly discovered early on Friday morning at the Kollupitiya residence of Chandrasena’s brother-in-law, a former Sri Lankan cricketer.&nbsp;The post-mortem was scheduled for Saturday (9).Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said that the Kollupitiya Police, together with Police kennel units, had been deployed for investigations into the death.&nbsp;“We are just trying to ascertain whether it is a suicide or something else, or if it is suspicious. Neither you nor I can declare anything at the moment as this has to go through expert observations,” Wootler said.&nbsp;He added that he expected a comprehensive report from the Officer-in-Charge of the Kollupitiya Police Station by Friday night.&nbsp;A source familiar with the legal proceedings told The Sunday Morning that a motion had been prepared for Chandrasena to surrender to court after the arrest warrant was issued. According to the source, a lawyer who went to collect Chandrasena to produce him before court had discovered the body inside a room at the residence.&nbsp;Chandrasena, who served as the CEO of SriLankan Airlines during a 2013 aircraft procurement deal involving the purchase of 10 Airbus aircraft worth $ 2.3 billion, was arrested on 12 March over allegations that he had conspired to accept a bribe of $ 16 million and received € 1.45 million into a Singapore bank account.According to prosecutors, Chandrasena had allegedly created a shell company in Brunei under his wife’s name and arranged for the kickback payment to be deposited into its Singapore account.&nbsp;On Thursday (7), the Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered Chandrasena’s arrest and production before court. He had been released on bail two days earlier.&nbsp;The Magistrate had initially ordered Chandrasena’s release on a cash bail of Rs. 500,000 and three sureties of Rs. 1 million each.&nbsp;However, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed the court through a motion that Chandrasena had allegedly paid two individuals Rs. 15,000 each to appear as bail signatories and furnish sureties of Rs. 1 million each.&nbsp;The commission alleged that this amounted to a violation of bail conditions and a breach of the trust placed in the suspect by the Judiciary.&nbsp;Citing Sections 14(1) and 14(3) of the Bail Act No.30 of 1997, the CIABOC requested the court to suspend the bail order and further sought that Chandrasena be remanded until the conclusion of the case under Section 149(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act.&nbsp;Accordingly, Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama issued the arrest warrant on the grounds that the defendant had allegedly violated bail conditions and directed officers attached to the Bribery Commission to immediately execute the warrant.

Former SriLankan CEO found dead 

The Department of Meteorology has issued an ‘Amber’ advisory for severe lightning affecting several parts of Sri Lanka. The advisory, issued at 11.00 a.m. today (09), will remain in effect until 11.30 p.m. Accordingly, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva, North-Western, Northern and North-Central provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee District after 1.00 p.m. The department also warned that temporary localized strong winds may occur during thundershowers. The Department of Meteorology has issued an ‘Amber’ advisory for severe lightning affecting several parts of Sri Lanka. The advisory, issued at 11.00 a.m. today (09), will remain in effect until 11.30 p.m. Accordingly, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva, North-Western, Northern and North-Central provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee District after 1.00 p.m. The department also warned that temporary localized strong winds may occur during thundershowers. The Department of Meteorology has issued an ‘Amber’ advisory for severe lightning affecting several parts of Sri Lanka. The advisory, issued at 11.00 a.m. today (09), will remain in effect until 11.30 p.m. Accordingly, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva, North-Western, Northern and North-Central provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee District after 1.00 p.m. The department also warned that temporary localized strong winds may occur during thundershowers.

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