Sri Lanka’s historic 1996 Cricket World Cup-winning captain, Arjuna Ranatunga, could soon face arrest as the government intensifies its crackdown on corruption. Reports indicate that the former Minister of Petroleum is being investigated for allegedly manipulating long-term fuel contracts during his ministerial tenure, causing significant financial loss to the state.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) revealed that Ranatunga, alongside his brother Dhammika, changed the procurement rules to favour costly spot market oil purchases. According to anti-corruption authorities, 27 such purchases in 2017 alone inflicted losses totalling approximately 800 million Sri Lankan rupees, or over 5 million US dollars at the time.
Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama of Colombo was informed that Arjuna Ranatunga is currently overseas but will be detained immediately upon his return. Dhammika Ranatunga, who was earlier arrested in connection with the same case, has been released on bail but faces a travel ban. The next legal proceedings have been set for 13 March.
The Ranatunga family, known for their prominence in both cricket and politics, is facing a series of legal challenges. Arjuna’s younger brother, Prasanna Ranatunga, previously the country’s Tourism Minister, was arrested last month for an ongoing insurance fraud investigation. Prasanna had earlier been convicted in June 2022 for extorting money from a businessman, receiving a suspended two-year sentence.
Arjuna Ranatunga, 62, remains a revered figure in Sri Lankan sports. He captained the team that famously defeated Australia in the 1996 World Cup final, bringing the nation its first-ever cricket world title. His leadership and skill on the field have earned him a permanent place in the annals of Sri Lankan cricket. However, his political career, particularly his ministerial role overseeing state-run petroleum contracts, is now under intense scrutiny.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who came to power last year, has made tackling systemic corruption a key priority. The investigation into the Ranatunga brothers forms part of this wider governmental effort to address longstanding institutional malpractice and hold powerful figures accountable. As the case unfolds, the nation watches closely, witnessing the stark contrast between the former cricket hero’s celebrated past and his uncertain future under legal scrutiny.