Shocking Tragedy: Body Found Hanging at Ex-Sri Lanka player Aravinda de Silva's House – Murder or Suicide?

A body has been found from the house of Sri Lanka's legendary cricketer Aravinda de Silva on Friday, as it was confirmed by reports.

Aravinda de Silva, who was part of Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning squad, was not present at the house at that time, but his brother-in-law's body has been found.

What Happened?

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena was found dead early Friday morning at the Pedris Place residence of legendary cricketer Aravinda de Silva in Kollupitiya, police confirmed. The body was discovered hanging inside the house at No. 37/38 Pedris Place. Preliminary investigations point to suicide, though a full post-mortem and magisterial inquiry are underway to confirm the exact cause.

Chandrasena, who led the national carrier from 2011 to 2015, had arrived at his brother-in-law's home the previous day. His own residence is in Barnes Place, Colombo. Aravinda de Silva and Chandrasena are married to sisters, Anushka de Silva and Priyanka Neomali Wijenayake, making the families closely connected. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama visited the scene for the inquiry while former cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga was also present.

Death after Arrest Warrant

The death comes just one day after the Colombo Chief Magistrate issued an arrest warrant on May 7 against him. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) had sought to revoke his bail, alleging he violated conditions by submitting unsuitable sureties.

Chandrasena had been on strict bail in connection with a high-profile corruption case involving the 2013 purchase of 10 Airbus aircraft worth over US$2.3 billion. He and his wife faced accusations of accepting a US$2 million bribe routed through a Brunei shell company.

A Suicide or Murder?

Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler confirmed the body was found hanging and said investigations are continuing. No foul play has been indicated so far. Chandrasena had faced U.S. sanctions in 2024 over the same Airbus deal and earlier retracted claims that bribe money reached former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, describing them as coerced.

The incident has sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka's aviation and political circles. Further updates are expected once the post-mortem report is released.