Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Sri Lanka to Arrest Cricket Legend Arjuna Ranatunga
Arjuna Ranatunga, a famous Sri Lankan cricket player and former minister, is in trouble.
The government says he and his brother did something wrong when buying fuel for the country.
They think he chose more expensive ways to buy fuel, which cost the government a lot of money.
His brother was already arrested and let out on bail.
Arjuna is supposed to be arrested when he comes back to Sri Lanka.
He was a very important cricket player who helped Sri Lanka win the World Cup in 1996.
The next court hearing is in March 2026.
Arjuna Ranatunga, former Sri Lankan cricket captain and petroleum minister, accused of corruption in an oil procurement deal.
Allegations involve approving higher-priced spot purchases, causing an estimated loss of 800 million Sri Lankan rupees.
Arrest pending upon his return to Sri Lanka; last seen publicly in November.
His brother, Dhammika Ranatunga, was arrested, released on bail, and has a travel ban.
Ranatunga is a cricket legend, leading Sri Lanka to the 1996 ODI World Cup victory and scoring over 13,000 international runs.
- Who
- Arjuna Ranatunga, former Sri Lankan cricket captain and petroleum minister
- What
- Accused of corruption in an oil procurement deal
- When
- Alleged deal took place in 2017, arrest pending upon return
- Where
- Sri Lanka
- Why
- Part of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's anti-corruption campaign
- Name
- Arjuna Ranatunga
- Accusation
- Corruption in oil procurement deal
- Estimated Loss
- 800 million Sri Lankan rupees (₹23.5 crore)
- Current Status
- Expected to be arrested upon return to Sri Lanka
- Last Public Appearance
- November (location not disclosed)
- Brother's Status
- Dhammika Ranatunga arrested, released on bail, travel ban imposed
- Next Court Hearing
- 13 March 2026
- Cricket Career
- 93 Tests, 269 ODIs, over 13,000 international runs
