Overview of Sanctions
The U.S. Department of State has announced sanctions and visa restrictions on two Sri Lankan individuals, Kapila Chandrasena, the former Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lankan Airlines, and Udayanga Weeratunga, the former Ambassador to Russia. These measures, enacted under Section 7031(c), stem from allegations of corruption related to major defence and aviation procurement deals (U.S. Department of State, 2025).
Allegations Against Kapila Chandrasena
In response to these allegations, the U.S. Department of State has barred Chandrasena and his immediate family members from entering the United States. This action reflects the U.S. government's commitment to holding individuals accountable for engaging in high-level corruption (BBC News, 2025).
Allegations Against Udayanga Weeratunga
Udayanga Weeratunga, Sri Lanka’s former ambassador to Russia, faces allegations of orchestrating a corrupt procurement process involving MiG aircraft for the Sri Lanka Air Force. According to the U.S. Department of State, Weeratunga personally benefited from these transactions, which were characterized by financial irregularities and substantial losses to the Sri Lankan government (Al Jazeera, 2025).
Similar to Chandrasena, Weeratunga has been designated under Section 7031(c). His close family members have also been barred from entering the United States as part of the sanctions (Reuters, 2025).
U.S. Sanctions: A Commitment to Anti-Corruption
The sanctions imposed on Chandrasena and Weeratunga are part of a broader U.S. initiative to combat corruption and promote accountability on a global scale. By targeting individuals involved in significant financial misconduct, the United States aims to deter corruption and encourage greater transparency in governance and public administration. The designation of these high-profile figures, along with their families, underscores the global consequences of engaging in corrupt practices and highlights the U.S. government's ongoing support for reforms and strengthened anti-corruption mechanisms in countries like Sri Lanka (Transparency International, 2025).
Impact on Sri Lanka
These sanctions come at a critical time when Sri Lanka is under increasing international scrutiny for governance and public sector accountability. The measures serve as a stark reminder of the profound costs of corruption, not only to the individuals involved but also to the nation’s economic stability and reputation on the global stage (Sri Lanka Daily News, 2025).
Observers hope that this international action will motivate greater domestic efforts to combat corruption and enhance accountability. The U.S. sanctions emphasize the need for Sri Lanka to address financial malpractices decisively to restore public trust and improve governance (The Hindu, 2025).
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