Former Sri Lanka cricketer Sachithra Senanayake was today (25) indicted by the Attorney General on charges of aiding and abetting match-fixing, in a case filed before Hambantota High Court Judge D.P. Mudunkotuwa.
The indictment, filed under the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act, marks the first time a national-level cricketer has been formally charged in court for allegedly supporting match-fixing.
According to the indictment, Senanayake is accused of attempting to influence Colombo Kings player Tharindu Ratnayake during the Lanka Premier League matches held in Hambantota and on Murusi Island on 21 and 22 November 2020. He allegedly urged Ratnayake not to report a match-fixing approach made by a third party to the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), and further instructed him on how to act in a manner that could affect match outcomes.
The indictment also mentions an individual known as “Saidi,” who reportedly contacted Ratnayake and said, “already spoke to the management. You will get games, and you have to give something for them too ok.” This statement was allegedly made to dissuade Ratnayake from informing the ICC’s ACU.
Following the filing of indictments, the court ordered that Senanayake’s fingerprints be obtained and granted him bail on two sureties of Rs. 1 million each. The sureties must be two of his closest relatives.
Senanayake was previously arrested by Sri Lanka’s Sports Corruption Investigation Unit on the advice of the ICC’s ACU and produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, after which he was released on bail.
The case was filed after reviewing documentary and other evidence under the supervision of Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardhana.
Representing Senanayake in court was a legal team led by lawyer Ajith Pathirana, while State Counsel Akila Dalpadadu appeared on behalf of the Attorney General.
The case is scheduled to be taken up again on 27 November.
