![Arjuna Ranatunga [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1765865771483_Arjuna_Ranatunga.jpg?type=hq)
Arjuna Ranatunga [Source: AFP]
In a significant development, former World Cup-winning cricket captain and ex-minister Arjuna Ranatunga is reportedly facing imminent arrest over alleged corruption charges linked to an oil procurement scam.
The case relates to an estimated financial loss of nearly Rs. 800 million incurred by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) during his tenure as Minister of Petroleum Resources Development. Ranatunga is currently overseas, which has delayed his arrest.
Arjuna Ranatunga named suspect in Rs 800m Oil scam
According to court proceedings, the alleged scam stems from the cancellation of three long-term fuel procurement tenders scheduled for the 2017–2018 period.
Investigators claim that these cancellations were followed by a decision to procure fuel through spot tenders at significantly higher prices, resulting in substantial losses to the CPC. The Bribery Commission has identified this decision-making process as the core of the corruption allegations.
Notably, Ranatunga’s younger brother, Dhammika Ranatunga, who served as the former chairman of the CPC, has been named as the first suspect in the case. He was recently produced before the court on corruption charges and subsequently released on bail after posting a surety of Rs. 1 million.
The court also issued him a stern warning against attempting to influence witnesses or interfere with the ongoing investigation. Ranatunga has been named as the second suspect in the case.
Assistant Director of Legal Affairs Anusha Sammandapperuma, appearing on behalf of the Bribery Commission, informed the court that Arjuna Ranatunga could not be arrested at present due to his absence from the country. She requested court intervention to enable his arrest upon return and sought an order to remand him, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need to continue investigations without obstruction.
Arjuna Ranatunga's illustrious career
Beyond politics, Arjuna Ranatunga remains one of the most iconic and controversial figures in Sri Lankan cricket history. He rose to international prominence after captaining Sri Lanka to its historic 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup victory, a triumph that transformed the nation’s cricketing reputation on the global stage.
During his illustrious playing career, Ranatunga represented Sri Lanka in 93 Test matches and 293 One Day Internationals. He scored 5,105 Test runs at an average of 35.69, including four centuries, and amassed 7,456 ODI runs at an average of 35.84, also with four centuries.
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