Colombo, Sri Lanka – December 16, 2025
In a stunning development that has rocked Sri Lanka's sporting and political circles, authorities are preparing to arrest Arjuna Ranatunga, the iconic former captain who led the island nation to its historic 1996 Cricket World Cup triumph, on charges of corruption stemming from his tenure as Minister of Petroleum Resources Development. The 62-year-old cricket legend, celebrated for his aggressive leadership and pivotal role in elevating Sri Lankan cricket on the global stage, is accused of involvement in a scheme that allegedly cost the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) nearly 800 million Sri Lankan rupees—equivalent to over $5 million at 2017 exchange rates.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court on Monday that Ranatunga has been named as the second suspect in the case, with steps underway to apprehend him upon his return to the country from abroad. His elder brother, Dhammika Ranatunga, who served as CPC Chairman during the alleged irregularities, was arrested earlier today but released on bail after being produced in court. Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama imposed a travel ban on Dhammika, a dual citizen of Sri Lanka and the United States, to prevent him from fleeing the jurisdiction.
According to CIABOC officials, the probe centers on 27 irregular fuel procurement deals in 2017, where standard procedures for awarding long-term oil contracts were allegedly bypassed in favor of costlier spot purchases. This shift purportedly inflated costs and inflicted substantial financial losses on the CPC, exacerbating Sri Lanka's economic vulnerabilities at the time. "The total loss to the state from these purchases is 800 million rupees," a CIABOC representative stated in court, underscoring the gravity of the alleged misconduct.
Ranatunga's foray into politics has been as colorful as his cricketing career. After retiring from international cricket in 2000, he entered the political arena, serving as a Member of Parliament and holding ministerial portfolios, including ports and petroleum. His outspoken criticism of cricket administration and calls for reforms have often made headlines, but this scandal marks a dramatic fall from grace for the man once hailed as a national hero.
Neither Arjuna nor Dhammika Ranatunga has issued public statements as of press time. The brothers' legal teams could not be reached for comment. This case is part of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's broader anti-corruption drive, launched in the wake of Sri Lanka's devastating 2022 economic crisis, aimed at rooting out graft in public institutions.
Cricket fans and analysts expressed shock on social media, with many lamenting the tarnishing of a legendary figure. "Ranatunga the player and Ranatunga the politician are worlds apart—don't let politics eclipse his World Cup legacy," one user posted on X, reflecting the sentiment among supporters.
The court has scheduled further hearings, and CIABOC has vowed to pursue the investigation rigorously. As Sri Lanka grapples with ongoing economic recovery, this high-profile probe serves as a stark reminder of the perils of intertwining sports stardom with public office.
TCO News Desk compiles this report based on verified sources. Updates will follow as the story develops.
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