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The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed deep concern and outrage over the assault of an attorney-at-law by a Police officer within the Mount Lavinia Court premises, calling the incident ‘inexplicable’ and urging the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure such acts do not recur.

Issuing a statement, the BASL said: ‘The BASL expresses its utmost outrage in relation to the incident that took place today (10 October) within the Mount Lavinia Court premises where an Attorney-at-Law was assaulted by a Police officer.

The BASL has always stood firmly against the use of force by Police officers against any person.

In that context, this incident is inexplicable.

The officer concerned has now been remanded and the BASL will closely monitor this matter.

The BASL calls upon the IGP to take all necessary steps and measures, not only to address this matter at hand but also to ensure that such incidents will not take place in the future.’

Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa yesterday said that while the Health Ministry and the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) continue to assure that the ongoing medicine shortage will be fully resolved by early 2026, hospitals across the country are now facing an oversupply of nearly 100 drug varieties alongside acute shortages of essential medicines and surgical items.

He said the simultaneous surplus and scarcity of drugs reflect a serious breakdown in administrative and political oversight within the health sector.

According to him, senior Health Ministry officials, including those who served during the tenure of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, are responsible for the mismanagement, while the present Minister and the SPC must also be held accountable for failing to correct it.

Despite multiple Cabinet decisions to stabilise drug supplies, Dr. Sanjeewa said the situation continues to worsen. Hospitals are currently running short of key items such as IV Noradrenaline, IV Cefotaxime, IV Amikacin, Clarithromycin, Levofloxacin, Adenosine, Sodium Nitroprusside, Verapamil, Isoprenaline, Protamine Sulphate, Promethazine, GTN, and Salbutamol oral solution. Shortages have also been reported in surgical materials including prolene, polypropylene, nylon sutures, and knee implants.

He said dwindling stocks at the Medical Supplies Division and major hospital pharmacies are directly affecting patient care. Allowing regional or emergency purchases, he warned, could lead to financial losses and irregularities.

Dr. Sanjeewa accused the Health Ministry Secretary of enabling such regional procurements for over a year in what he described as an attempt to mask deeper administrative failures. He said the Government still lacks a coordinated and transparent strategy to secure essential medicines at competitive prices.

He further alleged that the SPC and the National Drug Regulatory Authority continue to operate without accountability, contributing to inefficiencies and worsening supply disruptions. The Alliance of Doctors and Civil Rights Trade Unions has raised concerns that these institutions may be bypassing national procurement procedures through selective Cabinet approvals.

Dr. Sanjeewa said the Alliance intends to take legal action over several procurement-related issues that it believes have caused financial and operational harm to the public health system.

At the recently concluded session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), a resolution was passed, without a vote, extending the mandate of the Sri Lanka Accountability Project, an internationally sanctioned mechanism to gather and collate evidence on serious human rights violations committed in the country. The resolution itself was no surprise since it was a continuation of earlier ones. What was surprising, however, was how Sri Lanka’s new Government managed to squander a rare opportunity to change the tone of engagement with the international community.

In previous years, Sri Lanka had insisted on calling for a vote on such resolutions, only to face resounding defeats. The new administration wisely chose not to repeat that mistake. This was a prudent decision, signalling a more pragmatic and less combative approach to international diplomacy. Unfortunately, that brief glimmer of sensibility was swiftly overshadowed by the belligerent and regressive statement made by Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative (PR) to the UN in Geneva.

In her address to the Council, the PR resurrected the same tired ethno-nationalist rhetoric that had defined previous Governments, rhetoric that has alienated victims, international partners, and the moderate public alike. There was not a single mention of the tens of thousands of Sri Lankans who continue to wait for justice or the families of those extrajudicially killed, the disappeared, and those who suffered torture and unlawful detention across decades of conflict and repression. It was in fact the representative of the United Kingdom who had the grace to mention the death of Dr. Kasipillai Manoharan, father of one of the five students killed in 2006, without receiving justice for his son.

Ragihar Manoharan is one of more than 100,000 Sri Lankans who are victims of extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearances. Of them, at least 60,000 were associated with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the very political movement that now forms the core of the present Government. Yet, the statement before the Council failed even to acknowledge these victims, let alone outline steps toward ensuring justice for them.

The absence of empathy was matched only by the absence of accountability. There was no recognition that it was the chronic failure of Sri Lanka’s judiciary and State institutions to deliver justice that compelled the victims to seek universal jurisdiction in the first place. Instead of reassuring the Council that the new Government would empower domestic mechanisms to function credibly and independently, the PR resorted to the old refrain that international mechanisms would ‘create divisions within the country.’

This argument, repeated ‘ad nauseam’ by successive administrations, remains hollow. How can the pursuit of justice create division? On the contrary, it is impunity and denial that deepen existing fissures in society. Healing requires truth and accountability, not evasion and defensiveness.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake was elected on the promise of systemic change, a significant break from the corrupt, repressive, and ethnocentric politics of the past. His rise to power symbolised a moment of hope for all Sri Lankans who had grown weary of empty promises and entrenched political rot. Yet, if his Government is sincere in its commitment to justice, democracy, and reconciliation, its foreign policy must reflect those values. The tone struck in Geneva suggests that key officials in charge of human rights and international relations have not received the memo.

The Government cannot credibly speak of a ‘new political culture’ while its diplomats echo the same failed talking points that landed the country in international disrepute. If Sri Lanka is to regain its standing and genuinely reclaim ownership of its accountability process, it must begin by cleaning its own house. Officials who remain wedded to the old script, those who see international engagement as a threat rather than an opportunity, are obstacles to reform.

The recent UNHRC session could have been an important turning point to demonstrate a genuine willingness to confront the past. Instead, it became yet another lost opportunity, wasted on defensive bluster and misplaced pride. Until Sri Lanka’s leaders realise that justice for victims is not a concession to the West but a duty to its own people, the country will remain trapped in the cycle of denial and distrust that has defined its post-war history.

Deloitte Sri Lanka hosted a webinar ‘Reforming today for a resilient tomorrow: Understanding the Companies (Amendment) Act No. 12 of 2025’ following the enactment of the landmark amendment to the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 on 4 August 2025. This amendment marks a significant step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s regulatory framework for corporates, with beneficial ownership disclosure as its key feature.

This webinar brought together corporate law experts, regulators, and Deloitte professionals to discuss how these reforms will reshape business practices, governance, and compliance.

Delivering the keynote, President’s Counsel and National Savings Bank Chairman Dr. Harsha Cabral outlined the evolution of corporate law in Sri Lanka and the growing importance of transparency. He highlighted that global bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), World Bank, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have long called for identifying the real owners of corporate entities to prevent misuse of company structures for money laundering, tax evasion, and other illicit activities. Many countries, including Sri Lanka, began introducing beneficial ownership declarations as early as 2018 through financial institutions, and with this new amendment Act these obligations are now formally mandated under corporate law. Dr. Cabral emphasised that this represents not just a legal update but a cultural shift, placing clear duties on directors, secretaries, and shareholders to ensure accountability and transparency.

Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Senior Vice President – Legal Enforcement and Compliance Shivandini Liyanage explained how the CSE is preparing to align its rules with the new requirements. She noted that although regulations and prescribed forms are still to be finalised, the Central Depository Systems (CDS) must begin preparing now by establishing internal systems, issuing guidelines, and working closely with brokers and custodians to identify and report beneficial owners; particularly those holding 10% or more of shares. Given the complexity of ownership structures, she stressed that both CDS and companies will need to strengthen due diligence processes, modernise data collection practices, and train staff to ensure compliance once the Act becomes fully operational.

From the regulatory perspective, Registrar of Companies Registrar Shyama Harshani detailed how the ROC will implement the new beneficial ownership disclosure regime. She explained that companies will be required to file seven key Beneficial Ownership (BO) forms (B01 to B07) on the eROC portal within prescribed timelines and with applicable fees, as to be set out in the upcoming regulations. She ensured that all information will be stored in a centralised registry accessible to regulators and, with certain restrictions, to the public, reinforcing both transparency and compliance with anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws. Harshani underlined that to avoid penalties, companies must keep pace with regulatory updates, submit reports on time, and maintain accurate BO records.

This session also introduced Deloitte’s Green BO Flow, a SharePoint-based automation process that digitalises and streamlines the collection of beneficial ownership details and securely maintains a beneficial ownership register. By reducing manual effort and embedding ESG principles such as paperless processes and data privacy, Deloitte perceives compliance as a transparent and sustainable practice through Green BO Flow.

Moderating the panel discussion, Deloitte Sri Lanka Director – Corporate Secretarial Disna Perera shared Deloitte’s perspective on turning compliance into an opportunity for stronger governance. She further emphasised, ‘The message is clear – the bar for governance requirements has been raised. Companies must quickly adapt to these changes and leverage technology effectively. This is crucial not only to mitigate risks but also to ensure compliance with the evolving regulatory landscape.’

The webinar reaffirmed Deloitte’s role in helping corporates navigate regulatory reforms with confidence, providing practical insights and proactive tools to align compliance with long-term resilience.

Fcode Labs, has announced the appointment of Pamaljith Harshapriya as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). This strategic move marks a significant step in strengthening the company’s operational capabilities as it positions itself for global growth. Pamaljith’s journey with Fcode Labs began as a Project Manager at a pivotal point in the company’s evolution. Founded in 2018 by a team of passionate technologists, Fcode Labs was already gaining recognition for delivering high-quality digital solutions. As the company scaled, Pamaljith stepped in to help shape its operational backbone, bringing structure, strategy, and long-term vision to the table. ‘What drew me to Fcode Labs was its immense growth potential. The operational framework was a blank canvas and that’s exactly the kind of challenge I thrive on,’ said Pamaljith. Since then, he has progressed through leadership roles from Senior Project Manager to Head of Operations. In these capacities, he played a key role in transforming Fcode Labs into an organisation with a strong operational foundation, now over 100 employees with dedicated engineering and business departments.

As COO, Pamaljith is now focused on building sustainable and agile operational teams with robust processes that embed quality and security at every level. Equally important to him is cultivating the right talent, individuals empowered to take ownership and grow into industry change agents as the company evolves. ‘We’re striking a deliberate balance, creating solid, repeatable processes that support anyone stepping into our workflows, while fostering a culture that encourages ownership, adaptability, and forward thinking.’ Under his leadership, several process enhancements have already taken shape, streamlining interdepartmental collaboration, strengthening project governance, and improving internal feedback loops. These changes ensure that Fcode Labs remains nimble, while scaling in a structured and secure manner. One of the defining strengths of Fcode Labs’ internal operations lies in its authenticity and intentionality. Rather than replicating industry-standard models or blindly reinventing the wheel, the organisation has taken a problem-solving approach to building its processes, always with the client at the centre. ‘We didn’t just replicate existing processes, nor did we innovate for novelty’s sake. Every process we designed was a response to a real need, crafted to maximise the value we deliver to our clients,’ says Pamaljith.

Looking ahead, Pamaljith envisions Fcode Labs as not just a technology company, but a global product engineering leader driving meaningful change across industries and economies. This ambition is underpinned by an operational strategy built to scale with that vision. ‘We’re determined to build Fcode Labs into a global force in product innovation and engineering. Every aspect of our operational foundation has been strategically designed to support that vision, and I’m confident Pamaljith has the capability to drive it,’ said Fcode Labs Co-CEO Buddhishan Manamperi. Guided by long-term scalability, global readiness, and strategic alignment, Pamaljith is steering Fcode Labs toward a future where operational excellence stands as a defining global

The proposed Japan-Sri Lanka-India Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor could boost Sri Lanka’s economic growth by 9.3% by 2030, as per a study on the initiative.

The Japan-proposed corridor is envisioned as a geographically defined area connecting India and Sri Lanka, designed as a complementary collaboration among Sri Lanka, India, and Japan.

It aims to create a seamless flow for technology and investment, thereby fostering an industrial hub for global export by deeply integrating Sri Lanka into global supply chains, primarily centred on India.

This initiative is expected not only to accelerate economic growth in both Sri Lanka and India, but also create new business opportunities and enhance competitiveness for Japanese companies operating in both Sri Lanka and India, as well as those considering future expansion into the region.

There are over 5,000 Japanese companies operating in India and over 100 in Sri Lanka, and over 30% of them are engaged in manufacturing.

A conceptual roadmap has been developed by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), and think tank Nomura Research Institute (NRI).

Japan is of the view that the corridor is a ‘strategic pathway for Sri Lanka’ and Japan to deepen its longstanding partnership by leveraging Sri Lanka’s geographical proximity and Japan’s technological expertise and investment opportunities. Through this cooperation, Sri Lanka can transform its raw material base into higher-value products, while Japan can strengthen its role as a trusted partner in fostering sustainable and inclusive growth.

Building on this bilateral foundation, it benefits Sri Lanka to leverage its proximity, capabilities, and resources-availability to integrate into the rapidly expanding Indian and broader global supply chains.

A detailed roadmap for the corridor was formally unveiled at the Sri Lanka Business Forum held in Tokyo, with the visiting President Anura Kumara Disanayake as the Chief Guest.

METI Director for Southwest Asia Region – Trade Policy Bureau Shimano Toshiyuki in his presentation at the Forum said the roadmap is grounded in a detailed analysis of Indian import demand and Sri Lanka’s supply capabilities. The preliminary analysis focussed on India’s import dependencies and Government-supported industries while assessing Sri Lanka’s existing global exports, competitive manufacturing products, and potential for leveraging underutilised domestic raw materials. This process identified three primary target sectors: Electrical and Electronic Components, Mineral Resources and Agricultural Resources.

Toshiyuki said the proposed Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor will have a positive impact on Sri Lanka, India, and other regional countries. While the impact on Sri Lanka is a 9.3% GDP growth by 2020, the proposed initiative will boost India’s GDP by 1.28%, Bhutan’s by 0.4%, and Nepal’s by 0.2%.

According to the roadmap, the successful implementation of this initiative requires addressing a series of systemic challenges categorised as ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ issues.

The hard issues include logistical inefficiencies, such as delays and high costs in transporting goods to and from Colombo Port due to capacity limitations and inadequate road/rail connectivity, various energy constraints, and high mineral processing inefficiencies. The implementation plan will be proposed for addressing these issues by expanding and modernising Port facilities, improving national transport networks, enhancing energy infrastructure, and setting up dedicated industrial processing zones with mutually beneficial royalty structures.

The soft issues include regulatory complexity from burdensome and complex approval processes that require streamlined dialogue and digital solutions for regulatory clarity, a recognised gap in mutual understanding and awareness between Sri Lankan and Indian business, and regulatory practices and investment policy gaps that highlight the need for comprehensive investment incentive schemes to attract domestic and foreign capital and for a streamlined certification process to facilitate smooth trade.

The roadmap has proposed a host of future steps for realising the initiative including a multilateral working group, bilateral measures, and private sector involvement, as well as public-private initiatives.

By systematically addressing identified challenges through targeted policy interventions, infrastructure development, and coordinated dialogue, the proposed Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor will unlock significant economic benefits. It promises to advance prosperity not only for Sri Lanka and Japan, but also for India and the wider South Asia region, enhancing resilience, competitiveness, and shared opportunities in global trade.

The Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership and Public Policy is now being recognised as a pioneering institution at the intersection of thought leadership, governance, and professional development. Its latest initiative, the Executive Credential in Leadership and Public Policy (ECLPP), is a one-year, two-semester course designed with precision and foresight. Targeting professionals, executives, and aspiring academics, the program is designed to be a transformative journey-one that blends intellectual rigor with practical insight. BALPP is poised to launch the second batch of the ECLPP soon.

The foremost benefit of enrolling in this course lies in its unique orientation towards the twin pillars of leadership and public policy. In an age where decision-making is increasingly complex, participants will gain not only theoretical understanding but also the ability to translate policy into practice. For mid-career executives, the course provides the tools to elevate themselves beyond managerial competence to strategic vision. For aspiring academics, it opens the door to intellectual engagement with the pressing challenges of governance, development, and ethics.

Skills enhancement is at the very heart of this credential. Under the guidance of distinguished experts, participants will sharpen their analytical capacity, critical reasoning, and persuasive communication. They will learn to interpret data, frame policy options, and design solutions that respond to real-world problems. Equally important, they will cultivate the softer dimensions of leadership: the ability to inspire, negotiate, and manage diverse teams. By the end of two semesters, graduates will emerge not just more knowledgeable, but more agile, confident, and adaptive leaders.

What makes this course especially significant is its uniqueness in the Sri Lankan context. No other tertiary education institution in the country offers such a structured, practice-oriented credential in leadership and public policy. In bridging this gap, BALPP recognises that the nation’s progress depends on producing leaders capable of navigating complexity with integrity and foresight. For participants, this means access to a program that cannot be replicated elsewhere; it is not simply an education, but a distinction.

Finally, the Executive Credential in Leadership and Public Policy is distinguished by the established reputation and academic foundation of BALPP. The Academy’s standing reflects its commitment to delivering programs that are both intellectually rigorous and acutely relevant to the complex challenges of society. For those who earn it, this qualification represents the imprint of high standards – a recognition of personal and professional excellence. Ultimately, the credential is an investment that equips individuals not just to advance their careers, but to make a tangible, thoughtful contribution to the public good.

Targeting hidden wealth, the new amendments to the Companies Act demands full disclosure of beneficial ownership, but secrecy and complex offshore structures will make enforcement difficult, said a panel of industry experts and stakeholders recently.

This discussion took place at a seminar on the Companies (Amendment) Act No 12 of 2025. Organised by Corporate Management Consultants, the event brought together regulators, lawyers, and compliance officers to unpack the new law.

NSB Chairman Dr. Harsha Cabral was the keynote speaker, joined by SEC Former Chairman Dr. DC Jayasuriya and Financial Intelligence Unit Director Subhani Keerthiratne. A panel discussion also featured Registrar General of Companies Aravindi De Silva, CSE Former Chief Regulatory Officer Renuke Wijewardena, and Registrar of Companies Attorney-at-Law Shyama Harshani.

The new amendment was designed to end anonymous ownership and align Sri Lanka with global anti-money laundering standards. The law requires companies to register their beneficial owners, while banning bearer shares and imposing strict disclosure, reporting, and compliance obligations, explained Jayasuriya, while Keerthiratne highlighted the importance of these measures. Thereby, non-compliance carries fines and criminal liability, reflecting a push for greater transparency ahead of the FATF evaluation.

However, enforcement would be challenging due to hidden family wealth often known to only one person, Cabral said during his keynote address. ‘Beneficial ownership is something we always talk about. who the ultimate beneficiary is. Sometimes in families, when maybe only the husband knows of your family wealth… you can’t tell the wife or the children.’

The law requires companies to maintain detailed registers of beneficial ownership for ten years, even after liquidation, and notify the Registrar of any changes within 14 days. Ignorance or feigning ignorance is not an acceptable excuse for any director or secretary, Cabral added.

However, tracing ownership through multiple companies remained a challenge, he said. ‘If you say that you have to get, that company is in Hong Kong, then to see who are the owners of that company. Well, another company in the British Virgin Islands and another gentleman in Canada. So how much of it can be traceable? How much of it can be achieved is going to be a tough one.’

Companies are also required to provide details of beneficial owners to the public upon request, ensuring accountability, Cabral added.

Penalties for non-compliance are substantial and target not only directors and secretaries but also officers and shareholders. Cabral advised that large companies should appoint a dedicated compliance officer to ensure that all obligations are properly signed off.

Expanding on enforcement challenges, Wijewardena discussed the role of the Central Depositary System (CDS): ‘In a private environment, before the issuance of a share or transfer of share, it’s all done manually, but in a listed environment that is not so because you really don’t know whose life you share. Monday morning somebody will come and take over the company at 9:35, so you get to rely on information from the CDS.’

He said that while the CDS can facilitate information flow, the primary responsibility was with the company and its shareholders, and the companies would not be able to escape liability by blaming the CDS.

Wijewardena also warned about challenges with corporate and foreign investors. He explained that where it was easy to assume beneficial ownership with individuals, doing so with regards to corporations and funds was more complex. Foreign funds were extremely complex because the beneficiaries themselves were not aware of where the funds were invested.

‘Their funds are managed through a very complex structure. Global custodians, sub custodians, that’s the way that they have been operating. And we need to balance the compliance regulation with the economic factors also.’

Harshani said the Registrar’s Department was in the process of preparing the necessary regulations and formats, with technical assistance from the World Bank. She added that the system would also be digitalised, allowing filings to be done online. She also explained that electronic signatures would be recognised and accepted to simplify procedures for companies.

Sri Lanka concluded the 12th World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi with two Bronze medals, thanks to impressive performances by Pradeep Somasiri and Nuwan Indika Gamage. The championship, held from 27 September to 5 October, featured the world’s best para-athletes, and Sri Lanka proudly finished 62nd in the overall medal tally.

The five-member Sri Lankan contingent was sponsored by Dialog Axiata PLC, a long-term partner of para sports in the country. For more than two decades, Dialog has stood firmly behind para athletes, helping them reach national and international stages.

The first medal for Sri Lanka at this year’s competition came through Nuwan Indika Gamage, who leapt to Bronze in the Men’s T44 long jump. He leaped 6.46m to clinch Bronze. Gamage also impressed in the Men’s 200m (T44) heat, recording his seasonal best of 24.65 seconds, though he narrowly missed a place in the final.

Pradeep Somasiri produced a sensational run in the Men’s 1500m (T46), clocking 3:53.77 minutes to win Bronze while setting a new Asian record. His feat underscored his consistency at the international level, having previously won gold in the same event at the Asian Para Games three years ago.

The race was one of the closest of the championship, with gold going to Independent para-athlete Aleksander Laremchuk (3:53.26) and silver to France’s Antoine Proud (3:53.62).

Sri Lanka’s only female competitor, Janani Dhananjana, delivered a personal best performance in the Women’s T47 long jump, clearing 5.36m to finish seventh.

In the Men’s Shot Put F63 Final, Palitha Bandara narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing 4th with a throw of 14.07m (SB). Buddhika Heshan recorded a personal best of 6.70m in the Long Jump, also finishing 7th.

In addition to its support for Para Athletes, Dialog is also a dedicated sponsor of Sri Lanka’s national cricket, volleyball, and esports teams, as well as the primary sponsor of the Sri Lanka Golf Open. The company promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion through sponsorships with the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka, enabling athletes to compete in national and international tournaments. Furthering its commitment to empowering future champions, Dialog continues to support the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball, national junior and senior netball tournaments, and Dialog Schools rugby.

A Sri Lankan family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Qatar Airways, alleging the airline’s negligence caused the death of their 85-year-old patriarch, Southern California cardiologist Asoka Jayaweera.

The suit, filed by Jayaweera’s son Surya, claims the incident began when the ‘strict vegetarian’ was denied the vegetarian meal he had pre-ordered for his flight from Los Angeles to Sri Lanka via Doha. Instead, a flight attendant allegedly gave him a standard meal with meat and instructed him to ‘eat around’ it. While attempting to do so, Jayaweera began choking on a piece of food and was left unconscious for hours.

The meal service began about two-and-a-half hours into the 15.5-hour flight. When Jayaweera, a long-time vegetarian, asked for his special meal, he was told none were left and was given a regular meal with meat. The lawsuit states he choked shortly after trying to ‘eat around’ the meat. Crew members attempted to help and consulted with MedAire, a service that provides remote guidance from ER doctors. At one point, Jayaweera’s oxygen saturation level was recorded at a dangerously low 69%.

When the flight crew was asked about an emergency landing, they allegedly told Jayaweera’s travel companion that the pilot couldn’t divert because the plane was ‘traveling over the Arctic Circle/Ocean.’ However, his son Surya contends the aircraft was actually over the Midwest at the time and could have easily diverted.

Jayaweera lost consciousness approximately three-and-a-half hours before the flight finally landed in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was taken to a hospital but died on 3 August 2023 from aspiration pneumonia, an infection caused by inhaling food into the lungs.

The lawsuit notes that Qatar Airways offers 19 special meals, seven of which are meat-free. The airline has faced issues regarding passenger dietary restrictions before; a British reality star with a severe nut allergy claimed he nearly died twice on the airline after being served food containing nuts, and a separate incident saw a Singapore Airlines flight forced to land when a passenger with a shellfish allergy became violently ill.

Surya Jayaweera is seeking damages for negligence and wrongful death that exceed the approximately $ 175,000 statutory limit set by the Montreal Convention, the international treaty governing airline liability. The complaint was initially filed in the California State Court and later moved to the Federal Court.

Qatar Airways has not yet publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.