Colombo: Former Sri Lankan cricket captain and 1996 World Cup hero Arjuna Ranatunga is expected to be arrested over allegations of financial irregularities in oil procurement, according to Sri Lankan media reports.
Ranatunga, who also served as the country’s Minister of Petroleum, is currently abroad. A Colombo magistrate has issued an arrest warrant for him upon his return. His elder brother has already been taken into custody in connection with the oil corruption scandal.
It is noteworthy that during Sri Lanka’s 2018 political crisis, Ranatunga was previously arrested on charges related to firing and murder. A gunfire incident in Colombo at the time resulted in one death and injuries to two others, with police citing Ranatunga’s role as significant in the case.
Arjuna Ranatunga captained Sri Lanka to its historic Cricket World Cup victory in 1996, marking the country’s first win in the tournament. After retiring from cricket, he entered politics and has held several key positions since 2001.
