Sri Lankan authorities to arrest World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga – here’s the reason

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Sri Lankan authorities are preparing to arrest former cricket captain and ex-petroleum minister Arjuna Ranatunga in connection with an alleged multi-million-rupee fuel procurement scam dating back to 2017. The case, which has resurfaced amid renewed anti-corruption efforts, has sent shockwaves through both political and sporting circles in the country.

Ranatunga, who famously led Sri Lanka to its historic 1996 Cricket World Cup triumph, is accused of abusing his ministerial authority during his tenure as petroleum minister. Investigators allege that irregular decisions taken under his watch resulted in substantial financial losses for the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed a magistrate’s court in Colombo that Ranatunga has been formally identified as a suspect in the case. According to the commission, established procedures for awarding long-term fuel supply contracts were deliberately altered during his time in office.

Instead of following competitive tender processes, investigators claim the ministry authorised a series of spot oil purchases, which were executed at significantly higher prices. These transactions allegedly took place without proper approvals, raising serious concerns about governance and accountability within the petroleum sector at the time.

The investigation also implicates Dhammika Ranatunga, Arjuna’s brother, who served as chairman of the CPC during the period under scrutiny. CIABOC alleges that both brothers played key roles in facilitating the controversial fuel purchases.

Dhammika Ranatunga has already been arrested and produced before court, where he was later released on bail. However, authorities imposed a travel ban to prevent him from leaving the country while investigations continue. Prosecutors maintain that further questioning and forensic audits are ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged losses.

According to submissions made by CIABOC, the CPC suffered an estimated loss of around 800 million Sri Lankan rupees, equivalent to more than USD 5 million at the time, due to the irregular procurement methods.

Investigators claim that 27 separate spot purchases were carried out instead of securing fuel through long-term contracts that typically offer lower and more stable pricing. These alleged decisions, the commission argues, placed a heavy financial burden on the CPC and, by extension, Sri Lankan taxpayers.

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CIABOC told the court that Arjuna Ranatunga is currently overseas and therefore could not be taken into custody immediately. However, according to the local news channels he will be arrested and produced before court upon his return to Sri Lanka.

Legal observers say the case could mark one of the most high-profile corruption prosecutions involving a former national sports icon. Ranatunga, who later transitioned into politics after his cricketing career, has not publicly commented on the allegations so far.

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