It’s a story that’s sending shockwaves through the world of cricket and beyond. Arjuna Ranatunga, the legendary left-hand batter who captained Sri Lanka to its greatest sporting triumph, the 1996 Cricket World Cup, is now facing the prospect of arrest. The allegations are serious, centering on his time as the nation's petroleum minister and a corruption scandal that reportedly cost the state a fortune.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Authorities in Sri Lanka plan to arrest World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga upon his return to the country.
- ✓ The charges relate to an alleged oil procurement scam causing a loss of 800 million Sri Lankan rupees (approx. Rs 23.5 crore).
- ✓ Arjuna's elder brother, Dhammika Ranatunga, was arrested in connection with the case and later released on bail.
- ✓ The alleged corruption occurred in 2017 when Arjuna served as the petroleum minister and Dhammika was chairman of the state-owned oil company.
- ✓ The case is part of a wider anti-corruption crackdown by the government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The Heart of the Allegations
So, what exactly is this all about? According to Sri Lanka's anti-graft commission, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the issue stems from events back in 2017. At the time, Arjuna Ranatunga held the powerful position of Minister of Petroleum Industries, a role that put him in charge of the country's vital energy sector.
The accusation is that he and his brother, Dhammika, allegedly changed the established procedures for awarding long-term oil procurement contracts. Instead of following the standard process, they are accused of making a series of "spot purchases" at a significantly higher cost. This wasn't a one-off deal; we're talking about 27 different purchases that have come under the microscope.
The financial fallout from these decisions is staggering. CIABOC has calculated the total loss to the state at a massive 800 million Sri Lankan rupees. To put that in perspective, at the time of the deals in 2017, this was equivalent to just over $5 million, or approximately Rs 23.5 crore. It’s a huge sum of money, and the watchdog claims this loss was a direct result of the brothers' undue influence and deviation from proper tendering procedures.
The Legal Wheels Start Turning
While Arjuna is the big name in this story, the legal proceedings have already begun with his elder brother. Dhammika Ranatunga, who was the chairman of the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) during the period in question, has been named as a key figure. Authorities moved quickly, arresting the 63-year-old on Monday.
However, he was later released on bail. The court didn't let him walk away without conditions, though. Colombo Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama imposed a travel ban on Dhammika, which is particularly significant as he is a dual citizen of both Sri Lanka and the United States. This measure ensures he remains in the country as the investigation proceeds. The next hearing for the case has been officially scheduled for March 13.
As for Arjuna, the 62-year-old cricket icon, he has been named as the second accused in the case. The only reason he hasn't been arrested yet is that he is currently overseas. The commission has made it very clear to the court: he will be taken into custody the moment he returns to Sri Lanka. The stage is set for a dramatic homecoming for a man once celebrated as a national hero.
A Family Under a Cloud of Suspicion
What’s truly striking is that this isn't an isolated incident for the Ranatunga family. The corruption allegations extend to another brother, Prasanna Ranatunga, a former tourism minister. He was arrested just last month in connection with a separate insurance fraud case, which is still pending in the courts. It seems legal troubles are mounting for this prominent political and sporting dynasty.
Prasanna's legal woes don't stop there. He has a prior conviction from June 2022 for a case involving extortion. He was found guilty of extorting money from a businessman and is currently on a two-year suspended prison term. This history adds another layer of complexity to the public perception of the family as the latest allegations against Arjuna and Dhammika come to light.
From Cricket Hero to Political Figure
For millions of Sri Lankans, Arjuna Ranatunga is more than just a politician; he is a cricketing god. He was the fiercely competitive captain who led a team of underdogs to victory against the mighty Australians in the 1996 World Cup final. That triumph remains the single greatest moment in the island nation's cricketing history, and Arjuna was the architect behind it all.
His brother Dhammika also had a career in the sport, albeit a shorter one. He played two Test matches for Sri Lanka as an opening batsman against Australia in the 1989-90 season. After his playing days, he transitioned into administration, eventually becoming the first CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, the main governing body for the sport. Their deep roots in both cricket and, later, politics make this entire affair even more high-profile.
This case is unfolding within a much larger context of political change in Sri Lanka. The government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake came to power last year on a strong anti-corruption platform. He made a clear pledge to the people that he would tackle the endemic corruption that has plagued the country for years. This high-profile investigation against the Ranatunga brothers is being seen as a major test of that commitment, a sign that no one, regardless of their status or past achievements, is above the law.
Conclusion
The bottom line is this: a figure revered for his leadership on the cricket field is now at the center of a serious corruption case. The allegations of an 800 million rupee oil scam during his tenure as petroleum minister are casting a long shadow over his legacy. With one brother already arrested and another facing separate charges, the Ranatunga family finds itself in a difficult and public legal battle.
As Sri Lanka waits for Arjuna's return and subsequent arrest, the case serves as a powerful symbol of the country's new political direction under a government determined to root out corruption. It’s a stark reminder that even the most celebrated heroes can face a day of reckoning, and the story of the 1996 World Cup-winning captain has taken a turn no one could have ever predicted.
