Sri Lankan authorities are preparing to arrest the former cricket captain and former petroleum minister Arjun Ranatunga In connection with the alleged multi-crore fuel purchase scam of 2017. This matter, which has come to light again amid renewed anti-corruption efforts, has shocked both political and sports circles in the country.
Ranatunga, who led Sri Lanka to the historic 1996 Cricket World Cup win, is accused of abusing his ministerial powers during his tenure as Petroleum Minister. Investigators allege that irregular decisions taken under his supervision resulted in substantial financial losses to the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).
Anti-Corruption Commission details allegations against Arjuna Ranatunga in court
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, the established procedures for awarding long-term fuel supply contracts were deliberately changed during his tenure.
Investigators claim that instead of following competitive tender processes, the ministry authorized a series of spot oil purchases, which were executed at significantly higher prices. These transactions reportedly took place without proper approvals, raising serious concerns about governance and accountability within the petroleum sector at the time.
Brother Dhammika Ranatunga has already been arrested in corruption case
The investigation has also included Arjun’s brother Dhammika Ranatunga, who served as CPC president during the investigation. CIABOC alleges that the two brothers played a key role in facilitating the controversial fuel purchase.
Dhammika Ranatunga has already been arrested and produced in the court, where he was later released on bail. However, authorities imposed a travel ban to prevent him from leaving the country while the investigation continued. Prosecutors say further inquiries and forensic audits are ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged damage.
According to presentations made by CIABOC, CPC suffered an estimated loss of approximately 800 million Sri Lankan rupees, equivalent to more than US$5 million at the time, due to irregular procurement methods.
Investigators claim 27 separate spot purchases were made instead of securing fuel through long-term contracts, which typically offer lower and more stable pricing. The Commission argues that these alleged decisions imposed a heavy financial burden on the CPC and, by extension, Sri Lankan taxpayers.
Officials await Arjuna Ranatunga’s return to Sri Lanka
CIABOC told the court that Arjun Ranatunga is currently abroad and hence he cannot be taken into immediate custody. However, according to local news channels he will be arrested upon his return to Sri Lanka and presented in court.
Legal observers say the case could be one of the most high-profile corruption trials involving a former national sports icon. Ranatunga, who later moved into politics after his cricket career, has not yet commented publicly on the allegations.
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