Former Sri Lankan national cricketer Sachithra Senanayake has been indicted by the Attorney General before the Hambantota High Court under multiple charges, including attempting to fix cricket matches by making offers to players.
This marks the first time in Sri Lanka that a national-level cricketer has been prosecuted under the Prevention of Sports-Related Corruption Act, according to a spokesperson from the Attorney General’s Department. It may also be the first instance in South Asia where a national cricketer faces criminal court proceedings for such offenses.
The charges are related to incidents that allegedly occurred between November 21 and 22, 2020, during the Lanka Premier League matches held in Muruththettuwe and Hambantota. Senanayake is accused of influencing the outcome of matches by pressuring cricketer Tharindu Ratnayake, who was selected to play for Colombo Kings, not to report a match-fixing approach made by another party.
Additionally, Senanayake is alleged to have encouraged and guided Ratnayake in violating anti-corruption rules. One of the accusations includes preventing Ratnayake from reporting a message sent by an individual known as “Saidi”, which stated:
“Already spoke to the management. You will get games, and you have to give something for them too ok.”
These actions, prosecutors argue, were intended to suppress reporting to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit.
He has been charged under Section 5(a) of the Sports-Related Corruption (Amendment) Act No. 24 of 2019.
Following a complaint made to the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit, Sri Lanka’s Sports Corruption Investigation Division arrested Senanayake and produced him before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, where he was later released on bail.
The charges were formally filed after examining material evidence and testimonies under the guidance of Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena.
This high-profile case underscores the growing commitment to eradicating corruption in Sri Lankan cricket and ensuring integrity in sports at all levels.
