The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today that an email has been sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States seeking assistance to unlock the mobile phone of former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, who died under suspicious circumstances.

Investigating officers stated that further action regarding the device would be taken based on instructions received from the FBI.

The disclosure was made during the fifth consecutive day of the magisterial inquiry into Chandrasena’s death, which was held before Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara.Two witnesses testified during today’s proceedings.CCD officers also informed court that President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne and junior counsel Udara Muhandiramge had been notified to appear to give evidence. However, the lawyers informed court that they were unable to attend due to prior court commitments and requested that summons be issued for a future date.The Magistrate noted that testimony from 18 witnesses had already been recorded and questioned investigators on why summons were being sought only for the 19th and 20th witnesses, given that earlier witnesses had appeared without formal summons.

Investigating officers responded that the two witnesses had indicated they would appear if summons were issued. However, the Magistrate observed that the established procedure had been for witnesses to appear upon being informed by investigators, without formal summons, and ruled that the same practice should continue.Accordingly, the court rejected the CCD’s request to issue summons compelling the two lawyers to testify.

Meanwhile, evidence was also recorded from Indika Ratnayake, a surety who had stood bail for Chandrasena. In his testimony, he stated that the former CEO had contacted him prior to his arrest and requested that he be prepared to provide bail, advising him to keep relevant Grama Niladhari documentation ready.Ratnayake further told court that he later signed a personal bail bond of Rs. 10 million after Chandrasena was granted bail on May 5.He added that he had later met associates of Chandrasena and the legal team before learning of Chandrasena’s death on May 8, after which he contacted one of the individuals involved to inquire about the incident.The witness also testified that Chandrasena had informed him directly, even before being remanded, about the need for a surety.

Another witness, electrical technician Hemantha Samankumara, also gave evidence regarding CCTV installation work at a residence linked to Aravinda Silva.

Further inquiry into the case was postponed to May 29.